Join Us for Our London & South Christmas Gathering & Talk: Saturday, 13 December
Enjoy a morning talk, our AGM, and a friendly festive gathering with refreshments and time to connect with others in the bookbinding community.
We warmly invite you to join us for the London & South Region Christmas Gathering on Saturday 13 December, a highlight of the London & South calendar and a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow bookbinders. The day begins with a talk by Richard Nichols ACR, followed by our regional AGM, and then an informal social gathering.
Whether you’re a member, thinking about joining, or simply interested in learning about the development of bookbinding, you’re very welcome to come along.
11:00–12:00: Talk by Richard Nichols ACR
"The Development of Bookbinding as Discovered in the Collections of Staffordshire Archive Service"
Richard will explore the development of bookbinding from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, illustrated through examples from the Staffordshire County collections. His talk covers structures ranging from scrolls up to springbacks, divided into ‘manuscript’ binding and ‘letterpress’ binding traditions. It’s an engaging overview of how binding practices evolved across eight centuries.
Richard Nichols is a Book and Paper Conservator with 44 years of experience in archive services, working with materials from Anglo-Saxon charters to modern records. He has taught conservation for over 26 years and has contributed widely to the professional community, including work with ARA, Icon, SoB, and the Midlands Conservators Group.
He is currently preparing for a major project for the City of Stoke-on-Trent: the conservation and rehousing of the city’s seven historic Charters, in time for the 850th anniversary of the first charter granted in 1173.
Cost: £20
Payment: bank transfer in advance (email [email protected] for details) or payment on the door
No booking required.
12:30: AGM
Following the talk, we will hold our Annual General Meeting, during which we will welcome and elect new committee members. This is an important moment for the region as we look ahead to the 2026 programme and beyond.
After the AGM: Christmas Gathering
Please join us for our festive gathering! This is a friendly and enjoyable chance to meet other bookbinders, share experiences, and have conversations that rarely fit into emails or Zoom rooms. There will be food, snacks, and drinks available throughout.
The event is open to all. Even if you’re not yet a member but are thinking about joining, you’re very welcome to come along.
Practical Information
Venue:
Kentish Town Congregational Church, Ground Floor Hall, Kelly Street, London NW1 8PH
Transport:
Tube: Kentish Town (Northern Line), Kentish Town West (Overground)
Nearby buses: 24, 46, 134 and others
Parking spaces are available.
Accessibility:
Step-free access; the hall is fully accessible.
Booking:
No pre-booking required.
