The Icon Book & Paper Group Events & Training team is delighted to present its next workshop, a 12th century English Limp Tawed Skin Binding. The course will take place on the 4 - 6 October 2017 and will be hosted by the British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB.
Overview Manuscript Pembroke 119 (Alain de Lille, Anticlaudianus) has an exceptional contemporary binding with interesting structural features, including a limp covering of alum-tawed skin, stained red. The covering is further edged with a separate piece of alum tawed skin and was formerly fastened with an alum-tawed wrapping band. The instructors have examined the sewing that attaches the text-block to the cover, revealing a complex structure yet to be found elsewhere. The beautifully executed sewing of every element testifies to the sophistication of craftsmanship in the Romanesque period. The instructors will guide participants in recreating this binding. Processes will include sewing and covering with alum-tawed skin. The skins will be stained red prior to covering using the appropriate materials and techniques. Alongside the practical aspect of the course, the instructors will place the binding in its historical context. Some knowledge and experience of bookbinding or book history is desirable, but not essential. About the instructors Jim Bloxam is Head of Conservation and Collection Care at Cambridge University Library, and an Accredited Conservator of the Institute of Conservation. His particular research interests lie mainly in the history of books; their structural qualities and their cultural context. He has taught historical book structures in the UK, Europe and the US, focusing mainly on Romanesque and Gothic book structures. Shaun Thompson is a traditionally trained bookbinder with over thirty years’ experience, and a passionate advocate for the importance of hand bookbinding skills in book conservation. He has worked for Cambridge University Library for the past 15 years, playing a unique role across both the bindery and conservation teams, and presently holds the position of Collection Care Manager. Shaun has a research interest in early northern European book structures with particular interest in the materials and techniques used to create them. He has made good use of the Library’s collections to examine and recreate several of its key medieval bindings. He is also an experienced and highly skilled practical teacher, having taught hand bookbinding to conservation students in the UK at West Dean College and Camberwell College of Arts. He taught courses at Montefiascone in 2013, 2014 and 2016 and is looking forward to returning to share his ever-widening knowledge and experience. Practical information - The workshop is limited to 11 attendees. Please book early to avoid disappointment. - Fees: Icon members: £155 (plus booking fee) Non-Icon members: £250 (plus booking fee) - All materials will be supplied but participants must bring basic bookbinding equipment and tools. - Lunch is not provided but there are various cafés available in the British Library and local area. Book now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-12th-century-english-limp-tawed-skin-binding-tickets-36359876369 For any enquiries please contact Cécilia Duminuco at [email protected] ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
