The Artist's Book and the Art of Binding

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design staff and students hosted a bookbinding workshop recently. The session was facilitated by Lucy Wilson an illustrator and designer working in Manchester. Lucy was keen to emphasise the benefits of being able to bind books, showing us a few pieces of her own work. The benefit of being introduced to the potential of bookbinding techniques was evident straight away, particularly for design work and for personal projects.

Lucy demonstrated a range of basic techniques which included folding several sheets of paper, which would then be sewn together. All the tools the students used to make the book could easily be found at home, further showing how easy it is to make your own books. The technique was a bit tricky at first but after sewing a couple of sheets together I was able to get the hang of it fairly easily. It took a while to sew the book together but it didn't matter at all, as it was a fun task. I had however have to be patient and really concentrate. Despite this the students really enjoyed the process and found it a therapeutic exercise.

The workshop was really useful. The students really love making things and we were glad to have the chance to learn a new skill especially one so valuable. There is also the sense of pride to be gained from making something yourself. Lucy Brown, the course leader for Graphic Design said, "there is something truly beautiful about a handmade item as it is more personal. we have already made another book, and we are eager to learn more techniques and further my knowledge of bookbinding".