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Book repair for the home library

Basic bookbinding knowledge necessary.

Starts 22 Mar
From 105 Australian dollars
The Bindery

Course description

TUTOR: Nicholas Beckett DATES: next class in 2025 TIME: 9.30am – 4.00pm This course is a basic introduction to repairing broken books. The focus is on making much-loved case bound books usable and readable again rather than being a conservation or restoration course. Removing sticky tape, bookplates and other add-ins will be covered, as well as how to repair tears and damaged edges of papers and boards. You will learn how to tip in pages, replace endpapers and fit hinges in situ, and repair or replace damaged spines. Your old books can be given a whole new lease of life! Materials are provided. Bring your usual tools if you like, but tools are also available for use at the bindery. During the book repair workshop you will work on two case bound books (i.e. commercially bound hard- cover books). Both books will be removed from their cases, one being re-lined, endpapered and put back into the original case, the other having the spine replaced with new cloth. Also you will look at a range of techniques that are useful in repairing books NOTE: if you do not have books which need repair there are damaged books at the bindery which have been put aside for this class. Please bring the following items: a sharp knife * straightedge * a pointed bone folder shears (scissors) * small flat brushes (5 & 10mm) a fine artist's brush an artist's thin pallet knife if they have one a table knife may be of some use * an awl if they have one a couple of needles * * these items can be borrowed from the bindery tool box


Course details


Contact Details

  • info@nswbookbinders.com.au


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​To be covered by our insurance policy, please:
  • Remember to sign in when you enter the bindery and sign out when you leave.

  • Always wear closed-in shoes, NO sandals.

  • Only use equipment if you have received instruction from a monitor or teacher.

 

Also:
  • Hand-eye coordination and dexterity are necessary for this course as sharp knives are used in the cutting of board and paper.​

  • You will be shown correct procedure in the use of these tools, but good coordination will assure accurate cutting and prevention of injury.​

  • The bindery opens at 9 am.​

  • Tea and coffee is supplied and there will be a lunch break of 30 minutes. It is recommended you bring your lunch, as shops and cafes are a distance away.

  • There is a kitchen adjacent to the bindery.

Changing your enrolment:
  •  you withdraw from a course less than 72 hours prior to the start, you may have a credit. No refund will be offered.​

  • If you withdraw from a course more than 72 hours prior to the start, you may have a credit or choose to receive a full refund

  • If you withdraw after the course begins, you are not entitled to a credit or refund.

  • In cases where you are unable to attend due to illness or injury, you may receive a credit

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BINDERY OPENING HOURS FOR MEMBERS

1st Tuesdays of the month 10:30am - 4:30pm

2nd Saturdays of the month: 9:30am - 1:30pm

All Wednesdays: 10:00am – 5:00pm

NB. The Bindery is closed over Christmas and New Year from mid December until mid January

NSW Bookbinder's Guild
PO Box 1110
Rozelle, NSW 2039

NSW Bookbinder's Guild Ralph Lewis Bindery
Room 14,  Garry Owen House
Callan Park, Balmain Rd
Lilyfield, NSW 2038

 

In the spirit of Reconciliation, the NSW Guild of Bookbinders acknowledges the Wangal people,
Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Bindery is located, and pays respects to their Elders past and present.

 

© 2024 by Stefania Riccardi for NSW Guild of Bookbinders. All rights reserved.

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