We have members from Aberystwyth to Matlock, Oswestry to Kendal. And we are fortunate to include members across the full range of bookbinding and the book arts, including many internationally known bookbinders. Beginners and amateurs are also well represented, and we welcome new members whatever your level of experience.
We are an active region with a regular monthly meeting, usually a practical hands-on workshop. These take place at Kelsall Community Centre (CW6 0SB) in Cheshire. Our workshops cover the range of bookbinding activities – interesting binding projects, book arts, repair and restoration, as well as specialist bookbinding techniques. Excellent tutors, with experienced members to hand, enable all members to benefit from our workshop programme.
Once regional members have had an opportunity to book, we do welcome bookings from out-of-region members. Non-members may also attend one workshop before deciding if the Society is for them. All participants pay the same workshop fee, currently £30 plus a variable charge for the materials used. Advance booking, and payment is required. Check out our Events Programme, and if you would like to participate in a workshop please e-mail our Programme Organiser Sue Wood. Alternatively, or if the workshop is full, you can attend as an observer for £10, payable on the day.
Workshops are supplemented by occasional visits to libraries and other venues, and usually a Christmas lunch. We also circulate by e-mail a monthly regional Newsletter of news and stories, often including a review of the previous workshop and a preview of the next.
The images to the right show some examples of our regional workshops. Top, paste papers made with Michael Burke; middle, Kathy Abbott’s endbands workshop; bottom, an origata binding created with Glenn Malkin.
With Michael Burke, bookbinder and specialist in ancient and medieval bindings This lecture tells three stories of extraordinary ancient books that were lost for centuries and then found again. All...
In this workshop we will make a complete miniature artist's book, using a concertina structure. It will involve working with an original print (provided) for the interior pages, adding a...
The Bradel binding is a version of a case binding used extensively on the continent. However, there appear to be several approaches to its construction including this fabulous one where...
In 2024 we celebrate 50 years since the founding of our Society. The day will revolve around three illustrated talks. Barry Clark on The SoB at 50, Glenn Malkin on...
This 'Step-box' can be made in any size but great accuracy is required. We will construct a four-sided 'Step-box', complete with four trays and a lid. Materials: £12 Tools list:...
How to rebind a precious medieval book that has been badly bound and what you discover in the process. With Richard Nichols, an independent book conservator, who has spent 44...
Sponsored by our national O&E Group In this two-day workshop Mylyn will demonstrate a contemporary twist to the classic butterfly stitch. You will learn how to create your own cloth...
Leather has long been the premier material for book covers. In this workshop with local bookbinder Barry Clark we will combine this ancient material with two traditional sewing methods -...
In this workshop we’ll be making a Japanese pouch book using traditional techniques and a mix of traditional and modern materials. This elegant book utilises an inner binding for strength...
As part of our regional celebrations of our 50th anniversary we are curating two exhibitions at Manchester Central Library: one of design bindings, and one featuring work created at our...