WORKSHOP // Hard cover bookbinding
Schedule
Sun Nov 02 2025 at 10:30 am to 04:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
20 Castle Terrace | Edinburgh, SC
About this Event
The skills used in making a hand sewn hardcover book are fundamental to bookbinding, equipping you with the skills to make and understand books better. During this one day course you'll be led through the process step by step by professional bookbinder Gillian Stewart of Juju Books. You'll be able to go forward making books of your own with minimal equipment, or to create dummies to showcase your work. All materials will be provided, and each participant will leave the workshop with a finished book, with blank pages ready to fill with photographs.
The workshop will cover:
- How to handle bookbinding tools
- How to measure and cut materials
- Preparing pages and sewing a multi-section book block
- Lining a book block and adding endpapers
- How to make a hardcover with recess for a print
- Attaching book cloth and cover together
Please note: booking for this session will close 7-days in advance of the workshop (noon, Sunday 21 September).
Practicalities:
Entry to the AGITATE studio is via the main entrance to Saltire Court. A member of AGITATE will meet you at reception. Please arrive promptly between 10:15AM and 10:30AM. For sustainability purposes we encourage participants to use public transport where possible, but paid parking is available on-street outside the studio or in the Castle Terrace carpark directly opposite. Please note that it is expensive - more info here.
The studio is located on the second floor, accessible via lift, and there is an accessible toilet facility on the same level. There is plenty of breakout space available if needed. We will pause for lunch at approximate 12:30PM. There is a fridge and a microwave in the space, and AGITATE will provide coffee, hot water for tea, and biscuits.
You do not need any prior bookmaking experience to take part in this session and all materials and tools will be provided for use during the day. The workshop will be seated however a standing desk is available if you would prefer - please get in touch with [email protected] to request this and if you have any further questions.
About Juju books:
Juju Books is a contemporary design and bookbinding practice, founded in 2017 by prize-winning bookbinder Gillian Stewart. A QEST Ambassador and graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Gillian's background is in design, illustration and printmaking. Combined with traditional bookbinding skills gained through years of experience and intense training across Europe, Gillian seeks to make beautifully crafted objects to elevate, archive and inspire for years to come.
Agenda
How to handle bookbinding tools
How to measure and cut materials
Preparing pages and sewing a multi-section book block
Comfort break
Lining a book block and adding endpapers
How to make a hardcover with recess for a print
Attaching book cloth and cover together
Where is it happening?
20 Castle Terrace, Saltire Court, Edinburgh, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 103.63
