Registration is closed for this event

July 30th, 2018 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Michael Burke
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: July 30th, 2018 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: August 3rd, 2018 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 5

Developed in Denmark during WWII when materials were scarce, the Millimeter Binding takes its name from the minimal amount of leather used on the spine. Soon after its invention, it became the last word in refinement for simplified fine bindings and small editions. With its combination of fine goatskin and beautiful pastepaper covers, it is often the first leather bindings that students learn to make across northern Europe.

First, students will sew their signatures on frayed-out hemp cords. Then they'll make the special Scandinavian ‘hooked’ endpaper and a ‘lapped’ paper hollow. Thin millboard is used for the covers, which are attached with adhesive to the hollow and cords, making the structure solid but flexible.

The top edge is decorated and headbands attached. Students will learn three methods of edge decoration: the simple solid color wash; the painted edge; and the graphite edge. In addition, three kinds of headbands will be attached: stuck-on cloth; leather wrapped; and two-color silk-sewn.

There are several variations on the traditional millimeter binding, depending on where the leather is applied. In class the three main styles will be made: the first has leather on the spine and corners, the second has leather at the head and tail edge, and the third has leather at the spine and fore-edge. Finally, the bindings will be tooled using three different techniques: blind, carbon and gold.

Taken together these three bindings make a very handsome set of models which beautifully show off the elegance and refinement of Danish binding, and by working on three books at once this class is a very good way of honing skills through repetition.


Materials to Bring: scalpel — #4 handle, #25 and #21 blades (available from Havells); artist’s brushes (medium size); paring knife and strop.

Optional and available at SFCB for student use during workshop: metal ruler, dividers, bone folder.

Workshop Fee (includes $100 materials fee): $700.00

Date & Time: Monday-Friday, July 30-August 3, 2018 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.


About the Instructor | Michael Burke

Michael Burke studied bookbinding with Dominic Riley and paper conservation with Karen Zukor. He lives in the Lake District, where he teaches bookbinding. In recent years he has taught and lectured at Society of Bookbinders conferences and seminars, and at Guild of Bookworkers meetings in the USA, as well as teaching tours in Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. Each year he teaches summer school at the San Francisco Center for the Book and across the USA. Michael researches the structures of ancient and medieval bindings, and has a Masters degree in the History of the Book from the University of London.


Past Student Reviews:

“What I liked the most was the attention to our techniques by the instructor.”

“Michael is very patient, organized and so knowledgable! I love that he pays attention to the students and gives us feedback on our techniques. The pace of the class was very good, no stress considering we were putting together 3 books. Gave a great idea on how to do production work.”

375 Rhode Island St
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
United States