Armenian Binding

 Registration is closed for this event

July 21st, 2014 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Michael Burke
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: July 21st, 2014 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: July 25th, 2014 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 5

Armenian bindings result from an extraordinary meeting of traditions. They combine seemingly incongruent techniques which nevertheless form a single recognisable style. Within the Armenian tradition, differing combinations of features may indicate a certain place of production in, for example, monastic binding.

Traditional Armenian bookbinding reflects this history with a confluence of disparate features: each feature, taken individually, might be more usually reminiscent of either East or West, but together they make the Armenian Binding.

During this five day class students will gain an overview of Armenian bookbinding and discover its unique combination of characteristic features. We will begin by shaping the wooden boards and drilling holes into them. We’ll then prepare the sections and cords, sew the sections to the boards with a herringbone stitch, trim the bookblock with a drawknife, sew decorative Armenian endbands. After the edge coloring and spine lining, we will construct and attach a foredge flap and prepare closures of woven leather and metal pegs.  We’ll then cover the book with leather, which will be secured into the boards using wooden pegs, and line the boards with cloth.

Some bookbinding experience is recommended. Some experience in working with leather or woodworking experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

*Photo by Michael Burke, Armenian MS 4, courtesy of the Wellcome Library, London.


Materials to bring: bone folder, metal ruler, scalpel, cutting mat, dividers

Date & Time: Monday-Friday, July 21-25, 2014 |  9:30am – 5:30pm

Workshop + Materials Fee: $650

Prerequisites: None

Please review the SF Center for the Book Registration Policies before signing up for a class


About the Instructor | Michael Burke

Michael Burke studied bookbinding with Dominic Riley and paper conservation with Karen Zukor. Michael lives in the Lake District, England, where he teaches bookbinding as well at events across the UK. He is a past chair of the North West and North Wales region of SoB. He has taught for diverse book arts groups in the USA, including Los Angeles, Seattle and Salt Lake City. In recent years he has taught at the Paper and Book Intensive, travelled to São Paulo to teach for the Brazilian group ABER, and in 2011 presented Byzantine binding at the Seminar of the Guild of Bookworkers. Michael researches the structures of ancient and medieval bindings. He is currently studying for a Masters degree in the History of the Book at the University of London.

Past Student Reviews

"This is a brilliant class!"

"Superb teacher; excellent instruction that was always clear and pertinent, friendly to everyone"

"Michael is a gem of a teacher! I always love to take his classes!"

"So organized, excellent clear explanations, superb teacher, great that materials were well prepared"