Japanese paper dyeing, bookbinding and box making with Lucy May Schofield

Ref: SSS35696

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1 place available

About this course

A unique opportunity to create a beautiful set of hand dyed and marbled papers which will form the covers to a selection of Japanese stab-sewn books housed within a wraparound box with clasps and hand-backed book cloth.

Course Description

This workshop offers the unique experience of combining Japanese paper dyeing, bookbinding and box-making in one Summer School course. You will be guided through the process of practicing suminagashi (Japanese marbling) and orizome (folded resist dyeing) to create the covers for 6 different binding styles, (four hole, five hole, noble, tortoise shell, hemp leaf and accordion).

On this course the tutor will supply all/most/some of the materials including Greyboard, washi paper, patterned papers, fabrics, bone & acrylic clasps, nori paste, newsprint, inks for paper dyeing, thread.Housed within a hako chitsu (wrap-around box), you will create your own paper-backed fabrics using thin, strong washi paper, to make book-cloth using the traditional urauchi technique with water and nori paste. Bone clasps will be used to fasten the cloth covered box to secure the selection of books within.

Using authentic Japanese papers (washi), and linens and silks sourced from Japan, this course provides the opportunity to create a selection of the strongest, most elegant and practical bindings for printmakers and artists’ working with the book form and the skills to construct similar boxes in the future and expand your paper dyeing practice.

Summer School highlights: The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

  • Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
  • A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
  • An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
  • An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
  • A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘going green’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
  • Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios

As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all/most/some of the materials including: Greyboard, washi paper, patterned papers, fabrics, bone & acrylic clasps, nori paste, newsprint, inks for paper dyeing, thread.

What students need to bring

Please bring any bookbinding tools you may have such as bone folders, sharp pencils, 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).

Timetable

Timetable for Summer Schools

Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.

Arrival Day

Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students should vacate their rooms by 10am please.

General Information

Tutors

Lucy May Schofield

Lucy is a graduate of the London College of Printing with 17 years of experience as a tutor. She has studied printmaking, bookbinding and paper-making with Japanese master craftspeople.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.