Western 2026 events
Please send an email to: [email protected] if you wish to be sent an invite to a particular workshop.
IMPROVING SKILLS WORKSHOPS: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
This is an intermediate level, aimed at binders who would like to improve, or practice skills, in techniques such as:
- Sewing, and creating appropriate swell
- Forming and attaching boards
- Rounding and backing
- Sewing endbands
- Decorating edges (not gilding)
- Paring leather and covering
These integrated workshops are suitable for students who have completed at least one rounded and backed binding with laced-on boards, and who feel they can make a reasonable stab at sharpening tools and paring leather.
Each weekend will include a demonstration on a specific topic and you will be able to work on bindings of your own choice at your own pace, and/or concentrate on a few techniques or moving through a binding from endpapers to covering, with help and advice from the tutor. You will be supported throughout with a WhatsApp group and occasional Zoom sessions.
Tutor:
The tutor for this course will be Nesta Davies
Dates:
It will be held over six weekends from February to July 2026 on the following dates:
7/8th Feb, 7/8th March, 11/12th April, 9/10th May, 6/7th June, 4/5th July
Costs
£500, this includes some basic course materials, but it is expected that you will also bring or buy your own. Plenty of guidance can be given on this, both before and during the course. The course fee is similar to our daily workshop rate of £40 per day.
A deposit of £150 is required by 21st November 2025. The balance (i.e. £350) is required by 1st January 2026. If you need help with payments, or you need help with a different payment timing please contact Kate Gwynn to discuss this on 07787 504711. Bursaries may be available for part of the cost, and are simple to apply for. For information on apply, please contact Kate Gwynn.
Venue
Brittons Ash Community Centre, Bridgewater Road, Bathpool, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, TA2 8FT
Additional Information
Please contact Kate Gwynn if you are interested in joining this course by emailing [email protected] for a booking form. Please confirm your interest even if, as a previous intermediate student, you have already registered an interest. Places will be limited to 10 students. This course is subsidised by the Western Region of the Society of Bookbinders. It is anticipated that you will attend each weekend to benefit fully from the course content. For further information on course content, to check suitability or ask course content related questions, please contact Nesta Davies [email protected] 079840 01830.
