FAQ

Workshops

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You are not required to have previous experience in bookbinding to join our Beginners classes. Intermediate and Advance classes can be taken on the completion of any Beginners course. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught?

Group tuition and demonstration and individual attention as required.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All materials and tools for working on will be provided, along with refreshments. The bindery is fully equipped but you are welcome to bring your own hand tools.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

Booking into a class

Bookings will be open 6–8 weeks before a course is scheduled.
Course dates will be put up on the website earlier so you can see what's coming up. You can express your interest in a course by contacting us and your name will be put on a waiting list and you will be notified when bookings open.
All Guild administration is done on a volunteer basis.

Cancellation Policy

As a not for profit organisation we believe you should get what you pay for. Credits and refunds are given on any cancellations up to 12 hours before the course and for substantial grounds on the day of the course. You lose your money only on a complete no contact, no show.

At the Bindery (Non-members)

Lapsed members and members of the public are welcome to visit.

Upon arrival and departure

Upon arrival, please sign the attendance register for insurance purposes.
When leaving, note your time of departure in the register.

When at the Bindery

Make sure the monitor is aware of your presence in the bindery.
Please don't touch anything.

At the Bindery (Members)

Use of the bindery facilities is covered by your membership subscription

Upon arrival and departure

Upon arrival, please sign the attendance register for insurance purposes.
When leaving, note your time of departure in the register.

When at the Bindery

Set up your workplace with a cutting mat from the shelves at the back and use wastepaper for gluing. If glue spills, wipe the bench immediately.
We recommend that you wear closed toe shoes and washable clothing.
When using glue and paste, an apron is recommended.

Refreshments

Tea and coffee are available. Boiling water is available from the nearby kitchen. Please leave cups and utensils clean on the drainer.
Food should be eaten outside on the verandas.
All food scraps must be put in the bin in the kitchen.
For a long day, bring a cut lunch.

Equipment available

You may use the equipment provided for bindery use. Consult the Monitor for advice.
Items such as rulers, awls, and folders are available for use. Please return items in a clean condition before you leave.
Some supplies are available from the bindery.
PVA is available. It is good practice to stand your brush in water up to the ferrule to prevent the bristles from sticking together and ruining the brush. Wrap your brushes in plastic wrap and clean them at home with warm water and soap.
Never put PVA down the sink.
Other supplies include thread, various off cuts of card and book cloth.

Large Equipment

If you wish to use the board chopper, guillotines or blocking presses please ask the Monitor for guidance as these items can be quite dangerous. You will also get better results after training.

Materials on sale

To purchase materials such as paper, bookcloth, sewing tapes and thread, please consult the Monitor. You may pay by cash or through the website after the cost of your purchase has been decided.

Borrowing

Occasionally members may wish to borrow an item. Please ask the Monitor for the Tool Register and complete an entry.
Similarly, we have a Library Register for borrowers. Books may be on loan for up to a month.