Crafts that Built the Cathedral: Medieval Book Binding

Name: Crafts that Built the Cathedral: Medieval Book Binding
Start: 2025-10-11T09:30:00+01:00
Location: 12 College Green, GL1 2LX Gloucester, United Kingdom

Schedule

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025 at 09:30 am

UTC+01:00

Location

12 College Green, GL1 2LX Gloucester, United Kingdom | Gloucester, EN

Join our experienced tutor Magalie in this workshop (9.30am-4pm) set in the medieval surroundings of our Learning Centre in St Marys Gatehouse. At the end of the day you will have your own bound notebook to take home.
In this workshop, Magalie will guide you through the making of a medieval book binding, replicating many of the books found in our own Medieval Library.
You will create your own 14th century style binding, using modern materials.
You will learn how to:
- Sew a text block on leather strips
- Use a book press
- Make your own sewn endbands with linen thread
- Cut your cover so the text block is laced into it
- Attach your cover to your book
This type of binding is ideal for notebooks and sketchbooks as it is very durable. It is immensely versatile and Magalie will bring some of her own examples for inspiration.
Written instructions and notes will be provided for you to take home, as well as a list of references and articles should you want to research the topic further.
All materials to make one book, are included in the cost of the course.
Magalie will have materials and tools available to purchase on the day if you want to continue book binding as a hobby.
Please bring your reading glasses if you need them, due to the fine details of sewing the endbands.
This workshop is suitable for anyone over 18.
Please note that craft knives will be used in this workshop.
There will be a lunch break, please bring a packed lunch with you.
At the end of the session you'll be able to take your book home with you, or enter it as part of Gloucester Cathedral's summer exhibition - 'Crafts that Built the Cathedral'. From 10 July - 26 September Gloucester Cathedral will be showcasing heritage skills and art work produced by the community. By taking part in this workshop, you can choose to have your work featured in the exhibition, it will be returned to you, by post on the close of the exhibition in September.
You will be using a non-leather material for the cover which is versatile and durable, with a very similar feel and look as vellum.
Please note that leather is used for the cover attachment however an animal free alternative can be provided if needed.
This workshop takes place in our Learning & Participation Hub, the classroom space is up two flights of stairs. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building we are unable to provide level access to the workshop space.
About the tutor:
After a 30 year career as a qualified accountant, Magalie decided to take her passion for bookbinding full time.
She is lucky to have, in the last 8 years, travelled around England to study with some of the best bookbinders. She is a member and also volunteers for the Society of Bookbinders.
Magalie spends her days in her bindery in Abbeymead, Gloucester where she creates and makes handmade books which she sells. She also takes commissioned work. She is keen on sharing her knowledge and her love of bookbinding which in her own words, she “lives and breathes”, to lead workshops in her own home studio or at local venues.
She has been trained in traditional bookbinding, and loves to experiment, always adding her own creativity to her projects.
Please send any questions or queries about this event to [email protected]