Don Rash fine bookbinder
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   l e a t h e r
  b i n d i n g
c o n s e r v a t i o n
( b o o k b i n d i n g   6)

This course will address the conservation of leather bindings primarily through the rebacking process; but will also address other methodologies such as Japanese paper repair and the use of handmade paper as an alternative to leather.  Topics covered will include: lifting the original spine; resewing and alternatives to resewing; washing and mending; endsheet and joint considerations; sewn endbands; corner repair; board preparation and reattachment; leather preparation; rebacking; laying new inner joints and original sides, pastedowns and spine; furbishing.

Students will execute two or more conservation treatments utilizing books that they will bring to class. These should be octavo or quarto, and of no more than twenty signatures each. Books for treatment should date from before 1850; before 1800 is preferable.

Requirements: Potential students should have a good grasp of basic bookbinding techniques through full leather. Students should bring their own hand tools, notebook and apron.  They will also need a paring knife. We will provide German paring knives on request. We can also supply Middleton style lifting knives. If anyone has a Scharf-fix they are asked to bring it. Students may bring their own leather or, if desired, leather can be supplied at  cost.

We have scheduled the Cloth and Leather Conservation classes so that students who wish to take both can do so at a reduced tuition and housing cost.

Dates: Monday, June 28  - Friday July 2 and Monday, October 18  - Friday, October 22. If you are staying at the school please come late Sunday afternoon to get settled in.

Materials fee: $15.00

Class status: 5 spaces available for the June class as of 1/6/10; 5 spaces available in the October class as of 1/6/10.


contents copyright Don Rash  2010
page revised 1/6/10