Kintsugi is a traditional and longstanding Japanese method of object repair. Dating back to around the fifteenth century BCE, it is a conservation method that visibly accentuates and enhances the damage an item has sustained to create a new, equally engaging object. This moves away from concepts of invisible repair and perfection that can dominate European conservation and repair methods. It is a way of allowing objects to live, change and adapt to time and circumstances whilst still functioning effectively. The repaired object is a new thing of beauty.

The concept of kintsugi translates very well to the human journey and may be a good philosophy for reconciling oneself to change and the difficult situations of life, emerging from such situations in a different, but by no means worse, physical shape and space. In this short course, we are using the book as a means of expressing the changes and challenges we all undergo.

For this course, you will need to bring a book of your own choice that not only has some personal meaning but that has also seen some life: it will be imperfect in some way and in need of some care. You will learn to use traditional methods with new materials to repair the damage very visibly. The repairs may be made with any material, and can include textiles, ephemera, natural and foraged items, household materials; in short, anything that is significant and meaningful to reflect your personal journey. The materials will be assessed through discussion for their suitability and the tutor will support you to use the materials and repair techniques both properly and creatively.

The course will explore the different materials and processes that make up bound materials and their capacity for repair. The aim is that the group will support each other in their binding journey and learn practical craft skills connected to book conservation.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including adhesives, plain paper, sewing thread, some traditional bookbinding materials such as bookcloth, and constructional materials such as sewing thread and repair papers.

What students need to bring

• A damaged book with a hard cover that has originally been sewn in sections – there will be sewing threads in the gutter or centre folds of the book’s text block. Your book should be no larger than a large hardback - 254 x 165mm. The key thing is that it is sewn, not held together by adhesive like a paperback. Optional: You may wish to bring a choice of two to select the best to work.
• Any additional materials that you would like to use to repair your book: these can be a range of materials that have meaning to you and your proposed project, e.g. these can include textiles, ephemera, natural and foraged items, household materials
• An apron

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: 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