Paper Repair Clinic

Tutor: Nicholas Beckett
Date: Next class in 2025
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: Members $160, Non-members $200

Limited to 6 participants

Suitable for all levels of experience including beginners.

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.

DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to conservation paper repair with an emphasis on how easy it is to set up in your own home with very little equipment. Applies not just to repair in books but paper repair generally.

CONTENT:
This course run through a variety of techniques of simple paper repair. Starting from a conservation perspective we will mostly be using wheat starch paste and Japanese repair tissue, which will be supplied. You will learn how to make remoistenable repair tissue, which can be used for almost invisible repairs and is great for long term storage. Two wheat starch Paste making techniques will be demonstrated and when and how to use them. Tips on basic flat paper repair and folded paper (such as maps in books) will be taught so you can apply the best method for your items. The course will be flexible and will be tailored around what the workshop participants bring in for repair.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This workshop is will give you basic knowledge of how to repair paper in a variety of methods with conservation principles in mind.

MATERIALS:
All materials are supplied and included in the workshop fee, but the course is designed to teach techniques of paper repair so bring your own torn and damaged paper items to work on. All techniques will be reversable so feel free to bring in anything you want to repair. Bring your usual tools but spare tools are available at the bindery.

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.

IMPORTANT:
Good eye/hand coordination and good dexterity are necessary for this course as sharp knives are used in the cutting of 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. It is recommended that you bring your lunch. There is a fully equipped kitchen adjacent to the bindery. Shops and cafes are not close.