All workshops take place at the Portico library in central Manchester. They run from 10.00–16.00, with tea/coffee on arrival for a prompt start at 10.15am. All materials and tools will be provided. The £85 fee includes the cost of materials, tea/coffee on arrival and a light lunch. Workshops are limited to 12 participants so early booking is advised.
Please go to the Portico website for booking details https://www.theportico.org.uk or email [email protected].
The workshops are run in partnership with the Society of Bookbinders, North West and North Wales Region.
Wednesday, 11 February 2026
An Introduction to Bookbinding
For total beginners, and others not too confident.
In this one-day workshop we will create three finished books: all using the simple but versatile pamphlet stitch. We will make a sewn softback pamphlet with a decorative dustwrapper, a single section hardback notebook with a cloth spine, and a multi-section concertina book. These three projects will introduce you to the essentials of all bookbinding: grain direction, folding and cutting paper, creating book sections, and se wing. And you will have three hand-made books to take home! We will be using glue so a protective apron is recommended.
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
A handy pocket notebook
We will make a small hardback notebook, suitable for the pocket or handbag. First, we will make the flat-back sewn book block, with tipped-on plain endpapers. We’ll add a marker ribbon, endbands and spine linings. We will then make a cloth and decorative paper covered case (the covers) incorporating a French groove. Finally the book block and the covers are joined together - called ‘casing-in’. We will be using glue so a protective apron is recommended.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Creating a portfolio for loose A4 sheets
Artists have long used portfolios to hold, protect and transport their work, however they are also useful for everyday filing, safely holding loose sheets in one place. They can be custom-made to any size - ours will be for holding A4 sheets. The strong outer case will be covered with an attractive decorative paper, protecting an internal expandable concertina pocket, all secured with a ribbon closure. We will be using glue so a protective apron is recommended.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
A multi-section journal/notebook
This attractive A6 notebook/journal features an Italian patterned paper front cover (with a colour co-ordinated book cloth on the rear cover). It is sewn on tapes with a variegated-coloured linen thread, left exposed for added decorative effect. With a good quality notebook paper, it also gently opens flat for ease of use. A pleasure to use for oneself, or as a gift to a friend. We will be using glue so a protective apron is recommended.
Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Paper Magic!
An opportunity to get creative making a variety of ingenious, fun and useful items. We will re-create the almost forgotten milkman’s Magic Wallet; the Turkish Map Fold (a way to present a whole page image in a small and attractive format); the Pop-Up invitation/greetings card for those special occasions or special people; and a decorative Clip Board for shopping lists etc. A treat for yourself and an opportunity to make some unique Christmas gifts. We will be using glue so a protective apron is recommended.
Download full programme in PDF
