Conservation Repairs of Leather Bindings
Conservation Repairs of Leather Bindings
Guest Workshop:
Aesthetically Pleasing & Robust Conservation Repairs of Leather Bindings
Using strong long fibred Japanese tissue and conservation techniques, you will learn to expertly repair detached boards, damaged corners, and leather losses on leather bindings.
This workshop is a great stepping stone to repairing at home and feeling confident with bookbinding processes.
Tutor: David Ashman
Date / time:
Two day workshop- Friday 14th & Saturday 15th November / 10am to 4pm both days
Skill Level: Intermediate / bookbinding experience required
Workshop Length: 12 hours / over 2 days
Number of Participants: 6x
(please note workshop will only go ahead with 4 or more participants)
“David’s an excellent tutor with much obvious expertise. His calm, practical approach made it easy to learn.
I was also impressed with Lou’s contributions & workshop which appeared to have all the tools & materials we needed & more. Highly recommended.”
This workshop will guide you through the intricate art of Japanese tissue repair, a gentle & reversible repair method favoured by some book conservators. You'll gain hands-on experience in:
Identifying different types of damage in leather bindings
Preparing leather bindings for treatment
Understanding how to use various Japanese tissues
Preparing & applying wheat starch paste
Toning tissues to match & applying conservation grade wax
Mastering precise techniques for reattaching boards, reinforcing weak joints, reconstructing delaminated board edges/corners & filling leather losses
Introduction to ethical considerations in book conservation
Developing the skills to confidently & effectively repair your own leather-bound treasures
“I’ve done a workshop with David & he’s superb- clear, very patient & organised, with lots of great tips & knowledge on the side.”
What this workshop offers:
Expert Instruction- learn from a book conservator who is passionate about preserving documentary heritage with over 50 years’ experience in the printing, paper & book conservation disciplines
Hands-on Learning- gain practical skills through guided exercises & individual attention
Small Class- ensuring personalised feedback & ample opportunity for questions
High-Quality Materials- work with authentic Japanese tissues & conservation-grade supplies
Bring with you:
Five leather bound books (can be ¼ or ½ leather) in need of repairs
Personal hand tools/brushes
Skill Level / Intermediate:
Confident binders who have previously completed some bookbinding
If unsure, please email David (via thebindingstudio@gmail.com) with your experience & any questions
Tutor Biography:
David is founder & principal conservator of Book Studio One. He has worked in the printing, paper & conservation sectors for over 50 years. He qualified as a conservator through completion of a Diploma in Book & Archives Conservation at the Colchester Institute & a Higher National Diploma in Conservation Studies from Lincolnshire College of Art, UK.
David has worked in senior positions for Nottinghamshire County Archives in the UK, the National Library of New Zealand, the State Library of Western Australia & Auckland Libraries. In the private sector he was co-founder & principal conservator with Triptych Conservation Services Ltd.
Additional Notes:
The Binding Studio is at 731 Scenic Dr, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612. There is off street and on street parking available.
Please note there are no public buses to this area. The closest public transport is to Swanson Train Station. An Uber from the train station is approx $20.
Disabled access is limited- please call to discuss your needs.
Please call +64 9 963 7721 prior to booking if you have further questions. You will receive an e-mail with additional info about your workshop once payment has been received.
If you would like to pay via bank transfer, or in installments e-mail thebindingstudio@gmail.com with the workshop / date / time you would like to attend. Lou will e-mail you an invoice.
This workshop will only go ahead with 4 or more participants (or at TBS’s discretion.) You will be refunded in full if numbers are not reached.
72 hours notice is required for cancellations (you will be refunded your payment minus transaction charges.)
Cancellations under 72 hours will result in a 50% refund only.
