Bookbinding Core Certificate Program
The San Francisco Center for the Book celebrates the craft and art of bookbinding. Our Bookbinding Core Certificate Program introduces students to four different binding models, leading them through the history and evolution of bookmaking. It provides students a comprehensive foundation to delve into the practice of binding and qualifies them to rent studio time in our bindery. Core classes must be taken in order, 1 through 4.
Bookbinding Core 4 :: Classic Rounded Back Cloth Binding
The final class in our Core Bookbinding series (taught in two sessions) uses skills learned in each previous class to create a beautiful and classic rounded back cloth binding. After sewing, the book will be rounded and backed before the boards are attached and covered. This binding style points to many historical structures that came before it, making it an ideal structure for anyone interested in learning to bind books with leather, or learning to repair books. More terms, more tools, more techniques: such are the rewards of the skilled bookbinder!
Competencies Gained:
Build on skills from Cores 1, 2 and 3
Knowledge:
Understanding of swell, board thickness, and endsheet type, and their impact on rounded and backed bindings
Review of different types of sewing supports and spine linings, and how they function within a binding
General comparison of all four binding styles presented in the SFCB Core, and how each binding style fulfills a different goal depending on types of books and their uses, and the historical period in which each originated
Skills:
Rounding and backing
Hand sewing silk endbands
Making and attaching a hollow
Equipment:
Nipping press
Job backer
Backing hammer
Guillotine
Materials to Bring
All tools and materials will be provided. Students are also welcome to bring any of their favorite bookbinding tools.
About the Instructor
Clair Emma Smith (she/her) is a bookbinder specializing in repair located in Oakland, California. She found her love of bookbinding during an art conservation internship at a historical society in Indiana, and she has been setting up her dream home studio ever since. Clair Emma relocated to the Bay Area after graduating from North Bennet Street School's bookbinding program in 2019 and works in private practice for both herself and other conservators as Bouguereau Bindery.
Past Student Reviews
“Everything was perfect, from the instructor to the materials to the equipment to the space.”
“It was comprehensive and the 2 day format allowed us to not feel rushed.”
“Clair's instruction was efficient yet clear. She's also hilarious with a dry wit, which eases some of the stress of doing new things for the first time and making mistakes. I like how she taught us how to eyeball and make custom measurements. She answered everyone's questions succinctly and also made time to check in on people. Her vibes are great, and I think it helped everyone warm up to each other. I loved this class.”
Location
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Registration Policies
Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.