Book Repair for the Home Library
TUTOR: Nicholas Beckett
DATES: next class in 2025
TIME: 9.30am – 4.00pm
COST: Members $105.00; Non-members $130.00
Next course: TBA
If you are interested in this course contact us on [email protected]
We will put your name of the pre-booking class list and contact you when bookings open.
Suitability:
Basic bookbinding knowledge necessary.
Course information:
This workshop is intended to give participants a basic introduction to repairing old books. It is not a conservation or restoration course, but focusses on making much loved and used everyday books usable and readable again. Removing Sellotape, removing bookplates (etc.) will be covered as well as repairing tears and damage edges of papers and boards, tipping in pages, replacing endpapers in situ, fitting hinges and replacing spines in situ.
The tutor will demonstrate techniques including:
* Removing sellotape i.e. sticky tape and other add ins
* Repairing damaged boards
* Use of Japanese paper for repairs and rejoining components
* Repairing and rebuilding damaged spines
About the tutor:
The tutor, Nicholas Beckett works in the conservation department in a major Sydney institution. He has 20 years experience working in the conservation of books and manuscripts. He trained at the TAFE in Sydney and has worked in London at Bookends Bindery making boxes for the British Library Collection.
Materials:
A list will be sent to those who enrol. Course notes will be provided.
Participants may bring along their own usual small tools, and books to work on, but both tools and books will be provided to those without.
IMPORTANT
Good eye/hand coordination and good 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 co-ordination will assure accurate cutting and prevention of injury.
Closed in shoes MUST be worn at all times.
Other Information:
The bindery will be open by 9am. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be supplied. There will be a lunch break of 30 minutes. There is a fully equipped kitchen adjacent to the bindery if you wish to bring your lunch, but otherwise there are cafes and markets nearby.
