This workshop offers the unique experience to learn an element of Japanese bookbinding and box-making. During the course you will learn the skills to make a double-leaved accordion-fold book (orihon) with invisible joins known as nobiru gajo with a wraparound presentation box (Maru chitsu). This structure is perfect for artists looking for a solution to combine printed signatures without a visible joint, and that becomes a self-supporting structure as a sculptural book work.

You will learn how to paper-back various fabrics using thin, strong washi paper, to create your own book-cloth using the traditional urauchi technique with water and nori paste. These cloths will be used to cover both the book and the box you will make.

Using Japanese patterned papers and natural linens, this course provides the opportunity to create an elegant, practical binding and one that can be expanded upon to create larger free-standing works. This course is for anyone interested in working with the book form, using sustainable and reversible materials and wishes to practice the skills needed to construct books and boxes in the future.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply all of the materials, including: Greyboard, washi paper, patterned papers, fabrics, bone folders, bone and acrylic clasps, nori paste, newsprint.

What students need to bring

Please bring any bookbinding tools you may have such as sharp pencils and a sharpener, erasers, a notebook to take notes.

Available to buy

Available from tutor: Washi paper will be available to purchase from the tutor to use for future projects.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions