HBC Techniques Workshop: Sprinkled Half Calf Binding with Guest Instructor Mark Andersson

 Registration is closed for this event

March 23rd, 2015 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Mark Andersson
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: March 23rd, 2015 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: March 27th, 2015 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 5

A sprinkled half calf binding is the perfect introduction to the most iconic form of bookbinding — books with raised cords and leather along the spine. In this one week class, students will make the Scandinavian version of a sprinkled half binding from the 1700s. The half calf binding (as opposed to the full calf) was originally used as a means of reducing the cost of bindings, by substituting paper for leather on the front and back covers. This historical style binding covering the spine and corners can serve as a great introduction to leather, or advanced students can choose to do a full calf binding instead. It is a great way to learn how to use the spokeshave to pare leather.

This class will cover the following procedures:

Sewing over raised cords (called single flexible sewing), making a hooked end sheet (common in Northern Europe at the time), rounding and backing using hide glue or paste, lacing on boards, sewing end bands, paring calf using a spokeshave, measuring the leather for the spine and corner pieces, applying leather to books, and sprinkling both the leather and the covering paper to create the decoration for the book. This binding will include a very unusual and beautiful end sheet, and will be finished with blind tooling along the front cover and spine. Students will need the usual bookbinding tools, along with a paring knife
and a modified spokeshave.

Please note: You cannot register for this class through the SFCB website. Please click here to be redirected to the HBC website where you can register for the class


Workshop + Materials Fee: $700 + $50 materials fee for members, $750 for non-members

Date & Time: Monday- Friday, March 23-27, 2015 :: 9:30-5:30

Location: SFCB :: 375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco CA, 94103

Registration: Please click here to be redirected to the HBC website where you can register for the class


About the Instructor | Mark Andersson

Mark Andersson is a book conservator, bookbinder and instructor. Mark is also President of the Guild of Bookworkers, the national organization for those involved in binding, conservation and all aspects of book arts. Prior to moving to Tucson, Mark was Department Head and sole instructor in the North Bennet Street School’s bookbinding program for nine years. He is a member of The Guild of Bookworkers, The American Institute for Conservation, Designer Bookbinders, and The Fulbright Association.