Repair of Cloth Bindings
This four-day workshop is suitable for beginners in book repair.
Course description
TUTOR: Karen Vidler DATES: 16th–19th April 2026 DAYS: Thursday – Sunday TIME: 9.30am – 4.30pm We start the repair process from the inside-out of the book so that the textblock is sturdy before doing the repairs to the protective cloth binding structure. Textblock repairs: Simple examination to assess the damage. Then surface cleaning, insitu resizing of pages, tear repairs, returning detached pages to the textblock, split endpaper inner hinge repairs. Please note: we will not have time to resew a book, just basic repairs. Cloth binding repairs: Simple examination to assess the damage. Then surface cleaning, resizing damaged cloth, preparing repair materials, board reattachment, endcap and corner repairs. We finish with rebacking in cloth. A full list of the tools to bring and where to buy them will be sent once you book your place on this workshop. Each participant will need 2 cloth bindings to repair during the workshop.
Course details
Contact Details
info@nswbookbinders.org
To be covered by our insurance policy, please:
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Remember to sign in when you enter the bindery and sign out when you leave.
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Always wear closed-in shoes, NO sandals.
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Only use equipment if you have received instruction from a monitor or teacher.
Also:
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Hand-eye coordination and dexterity are necessary for this course as sharp knives are used in the cutting of board and paper.
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You will be shown correct procedure in the use of these tools, but good coordination will assure accurate cutting and prevention of injury.
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The bindery opens at 9 am.
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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.
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There is a kitchen adjacent to the bindery.
Changing your enrolment:
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you withdraw from a course less than 72 hours prior to the start, you may have a credit. No refund will be offered.
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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
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If you withdraw after the course begins, you are not entitled to a credit or refund.
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In cases where you are unable to attend due to illness or injury, you may receive a credit