Class Description
The Crossed-Structure Bookbinding is a book construction that draws heavily on historic examples of soft-cover bookbindings. “Relatives” of this structure can be found in the Newberry’s collections across the many subject areas. Covered in paper, leather, or vellum, historic soft-cover books were a less expensive option for the protection of a book. Examples in the collection include manuscript journals and ledgers as well as printed text, and span several centuries.
Early soft-cover bindings, like the modern Crossed-Structure Bookbinding, are very flexible and open flat. These characteristics make them suitable for journals and sketchbooks. In this hands-on course, students will learn some foundations of bookbinding including the selection of materials and use of tools. Students will learn through active engagement—watching demonstrations of various steps, examination of diagrams, and independent and guided practice to create a leather-bound crossed-structure book.
This course will explore two variations on the modern crossed-structure bookbinding. The soft-cover books created in this class have flexible features that make it ideal for journals and sketchbooks. Participants will create a leather-covered multi-section book based on the crossed-structure with exposed spine sewing and various options for embellishment.
Formerly the Director of Conservation Services for the Newberry, Lesa Dowd left in 2022 to launch her own business, Bookish Farmgirl, LLC, and spend more time tending her urban backyard farm. She has studied English and French fine binding technique and has taught the craft of bookbinding for over 30 years.
What to Expect
Format: In Person
Class Capacity: 10
Class Style: Workshop; participation- and assignment-based
Materials List
Required
- Instructor-Distributed Materials—$30 materials fee collected by the instructor at the first class session (cash or check accepted)
A Brief Syllabus
- Introduction
- Workshop
- Workshop
- Putting it all together
Cost and Registration
4 Sessions, $240 ($216 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($240), Community Supported ($220), and Sponsor ($260). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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