Saturdays: October 10 & 17; 10am–4pm CT
In this in-person workshop, learn foundational techniques and methods to care for aged and damaged books.
We'll begin with an overview of book anatomy and approaches to repair. Then, we will look at your own damaged books and develop a plan to care for them. Instruction will cover cleaning techniques and methods for treating cracked paperbacks, loose hinges, tissue repairs, and other problems. Practicing these techniques will help you develop a sense for when to do the repair yourself and when to work with a book conservator. Demonstrations and instruction will alternate with work time and one-on-one guidance for individual repair projects.
Bring in two or three aged and damaged books that you would like to evaluate and treat. Hardcover picture books or clothbound, hardcover books that show significant wear and tear are ideal. Library book sales and used-book stores can be helpful sources. Rachel will have a few books participants can work on, so everyone will have plenty of opportunities to practice a variety of skills.
Level: Intermediate. This workshop is open to beginners but experience making books is helpful. We will spend a lot of time holding tools and performing fine hand movements. Do not wear long, loose sleeves to this workshop.
Certificate: 12 hours, Category B or D
Join us for Beyond the Book: Book Repair on Saturday, October 17, 4–5pm, to experience very old, rare books and manuscripts from the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library.
Pricing
$294| $147 Scholarship| $441 Pay-It-Forward
$30 materials fee
Scholarships are available for individuals facing adversity as it relates to identity, income/wealth, and lack of access to arts resources. The Pay-It-Forward rate (tuition, plus 50%) supports MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available. We leave it to you to choose the rate that is meaningful to you based on your income, wealth, and privilege status. MCBA members receive a 10% discount on tuition.
