Discover the beauty of the Danish Millimeter Binding! Spend five days exploring this classic style and its variations, while binding three different models. This class is highly recommended as an introduction to bookbinding with leather.
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 binding 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.
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. The top edges are 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.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
Students are encouraged to bring their personal bookbinding toolkit, especially scalpels and paring knives, if available.
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.
Past Student Reviews
“Michael is very knowledgeable and patient. He was a calming, steady presence in the class, which was extremely helpful with such an intensive workshop experience. We had a lot of work to do in a short time, and Michael checked in with everyone frequently, as well as made sure we took breaks and didn't overdo it.”
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):
$770
Prerequisite:
Bookbinding Core 1-4 or equivalent experience sewing and binding books. Students new to SFCB will be asked to provide samples of their work.
Class sessions:
Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1, 2025
9:30 am-5:30 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.