Historic Book Binding Techniques
I’m a fan of books in any form – including edible – and have always wanted to learn how to bind a book. Now I have my chance.
Seattle Center for Book Arts (SCBA), formed to promote education in hand book binding and related art forms, has some fascinating classes coming up for anyone in – or coming to – the Seattle area.
Week 1 (March 7) – Roman Wax Tablet
The first class examines the Wax Tablet, a wooden board structure typically used by the Romans as notebooks.
Week 2 (March 14) – German Longstitch
The class moves solidly into the middle ages with the German Longstitch, which creates a multi-quired book with a decorative spine. This structure is still loved by contemporary book artists for it’s sheer versatility of design potential.
Week 3 (March 21) – Ethiopian Binding
The focus of the third week’s class is an Ethiopian style structure. It’s an ancient open-spine binding, similar to a Coptic, sewn onto wooden boards and often encased in a madhar. It is one of the oldest styles of codex bindings.
Week 4 (March 28) – Coin Book
An examination of the small round books occasionally found in the Renaissance Schraubthaler, a keepsake coin that functioned as a locket, with a book or portrait inside.
Go for it!
