This class is a feast of the special techniques that were traditionally used to line materials for bookbinding.
First, we’ll look at backing fragile paper with Japanese paper, very useful for those interested in conservation practices. Then we'll line an old vellum document (drawn from our large stock of interesting eighteenth and nineteenth century indentures) with handmade paper to make a handsome covering material. Next comes the very useful technique of lining fabric to make bookcloth — you can transform almost any silk or cotton fabric into a useable covering material. The next two techniques are the most amazing. First, laminating two pieces of paper to make card (this is a tricky operation but if done right the results are superb). And finally, lining maps with linen in the traditional European way, which they learnt at a workshop in the Czech Republic, where this old-fashioned technique is still practiced.
Materials to Bring
None. All tools and materials will be provided.
About the Instructor
Michael Burke (he/him) studied bookbinding with Dominic Riley and paper conservation with Karen Zukor. Michael lives in England, where he teaches bookbinding as well at events across the UK. Michael researches the structures of ancient and medieval bindings and received his Masters degree in the History of the Book from the University of London in 2011.
Dominic Riley (he/him) is an internationally renowned bookbinder, artist, lecturer and teacher. He has his bindery in England, from where he travels across the UK teaching and lecturing. His work is mostly restoration and Design Binding, for which he has won many prizes in the Designer Bookbinders competition.
Michael and Dominic are co-founders of Book Camp, an immersive residential bookbinding experience which aims to teach new generations of binders.
Past Student Reviews
“Always new things and skills to learn. Also shortcuts or more efficient ways of doing things. I learned a ton, and got exactly what I wanted out of it.”
“I liked that all the materials and tools were provided so I didn't have to worry about whether I had everything I needed or not.”
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.
Workshop fee
(includes materials fee):
$200
Prerequisite:
None.
Class sessions:
Four Tuesdays, July 22, 29, August 5 & 12, 2025
6-9 pm
If this workshop is full, please click this link to add your name to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact you.