Studio 5 Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts. Manifesto 2020.

The new Studio 5 modules and courses in Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts offer a unique combination of specialisms in traditional, contemporary and experimental bookbinding and book arts practises and skills. With a flexible delivery programme throughout the year, modular learning and a teacher to student ratio that affords time and consideration so enabling the individual student to maximise their learning experience.
Over the last 20 or so years UK residents along with students and working artisans from all parts of the world have studied both part and full-time at Studio 5. Whilst it would be easy to increase numbers, the ethos of Studio 5 has always been quality not quantity. Unlike many courses that concentrate on conceptualisation and theory with minimal exposure to the practical aspects of bookbinding and book arts or offer short non linear workshops, Studio 5 provides practical experience in making and doing.
With an ever increasing trend for people to have more than one career in their working life, and with the modular nature of the courses, Studio 5 is very well placed to offer all suitable students an exciting, stimulating and challenging learning opportunity in an area of the arts where there is growing awareness, varied progression routes and work opportunities.
Aims of the Studio 5 course, Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts
The scheme of study has been designed to enable suitable students of any age to study the Art and Craft of Bookbinding and Book Arts with the emphasis being on practical projects and modules, balanced with theoretical understanding that offers a practical gateway in bookbinding and book arts.
It is anticipated that students will acquire and develop skills that will enable them to become artisans, designers and artists who understand the importance of good working practices as a firm and practical foundation for contemporary and progressive work.

The intention of the Studio 5 course, Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts is to:

provide a unique education in terms of the diversity of the mixture of art, craft and making

stimulate creativity in terms of traditional, contemporary and progressive/experimental working practices

provide artisanal training in bookbinding and book arts that can be used specifically for bookbinding and book arts or adapted for further use in other areas e.g. applied arts, graphic arts, installation work, restoration, private press etc

develop a student’s sense of professionalism

develop students’ critical abilities and awareness and an ability for self expression and collaborative works through projects

develop the understanding and application of relevant health and safety in the studio/workshop environment

develop the student’s ability to identify and solve technical and design problems and to become self motivated in working practices and out-put

provide knowledge, environment and facilities that enable students to work with hand tools, workshop and studio equipment safely and competently

provide a sound background in general and working knowledge with particular regard to bookbinding, book arts and associated practices

The Future

Since the inception of the earliest hand written book and increased availability due to inventions such as paper and printing, there has rarely been a time that the book has been out of the public domain.
Recently, with the rise and eventual stagnation of the ebook and similar reading platforms, the contemporary book has undergone something of a revolution. The genre of the book as a creative vehicle is growing in importance and understanding around the world.
With the wonderful advances in technical communications and affordable equipment such as printers and graphic packages for computers along side the traditional processes, the scope for either the self-employed bookbinder, book artist or employed artisan, in an institution, company or college/university, to engage with the book has never been more varied, exciting and rewarding.








Thursday 4 January 2018

Studio 5 Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts

Updated 2023

Studio 5 Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts.






1. Flat Back Case Binding.




Rationale.

The Flat Back Case Binding module introduces the student to 2 multi Sectional Flat Case Bindings, a paper decoration technique and hand tooling with foil. It will give students the opportunity to experiment with 'Flottage' Decorated papers.

Aims.

 
To introduce the student to Flat Back Case Binding.
To identify the correct materials specific to the binding style.
To understand the need for and limitations of the binding style.
To apply the relevant techniques.
To assess the suitability of the binding style.



Learning Outcome.

On completion the student will be able to:
Select suitable text blocks in need of this binding style.
Forward the books to the required standard.
Be aware of 3 variations in sewing, covering and corner making and simple end papers.

Assessment Strategy.

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 Flat Back Case bound books and a slip case. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a good standard and understand the reasons for their use.
The Module is delivered over 4 days with all materials included.
Fee £600 per person.

2.Introduction to the Complete or Artist’s Book.



Rationale.

The Introduction to the Artists book module consolidates skills acquired in Module 1 - Flat back case Binding. The student will explore the possiblities of the ‘Drum Leaf
Structure’  (Contemporary Adhesive Binding) Full cloth decoration with mixed media and create a unique text block. The student can work in any choice of mediums, be it traditional type set, collage, mixed media or any suitable combinations.



Aims.

To introduce the student to the Artists or Complete Book.
To identify the correct materials specific to the binding style.
To understand the book as a creative vehicle for the artist.
To apply the relevant techniques specific to the binding style. To explore alternative techniques for creating text and imagery.



Learning Outcome.

On completion the student will be able to:
Select, use and create text blocks with and in  a variety of mediums.
Translate design, artistic process and thought into a finished/complete Artists Book.
Produce unique and individual artistic works form conception to realisation.

Assessment Strategy.

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion a finished Artists or Complete Book. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a good standard and understand the reasons for their use.
The Module is delivered over 5 days with most materials included.
Fee £650 per person.

3. Rounded and Backed Case Binding.




Rationale.

 The rounded and backed case binding module is intended to develop the students ability to make 2 Rounded and Backed Case Bindings. The student will be able to select and use suitable materials and incorporate style and design ideas. Aspects explored will include foil blocking.



Aims.

To explore design and material manipulation.
To apply the relevant techniques in construction and basic design.
To explore topics such as label making, applied end bands and simple edge decoration.
To understand measuring in the round.


 
 Learning Outcome.
 
On completion the student will be able to:
Select suitable text blocks for this style of binding.
Apply simple edge decoration treatments.
Hand trim text blocks.
Pull and apply simple paper repair treatments.

Assessment Strategy.

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 finished Multi Sectional Case Bindings. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a high standard and understand the reasons for their use. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise design, process and protection.
The Module is delivered over 4 days with all materials included (except the students own text block).
Fee £600 per person.

4. Introduction to Leather. Disappearing Spine ‘Bradel’ Binding.



Rationale.

The Bradel module develops an awareness of strength and structure specific to this type of binding. It will give students the opportunity to work with leather and apply the relevant techniques involved in the production of the disappearing spine Bradel binding. Aspects covered will included leather paring and manipulation. This particular module can be geared to the individual student wishing to produce either a traditional style binding or a binding more contemporary in flavour.

Aims.

To introduce the student to leather binding and manipulation
To identify the correct materials specific to the binding style
To understand the need for and limitations of the binding style
To apply the relevant techniques
To be introduced to hand paring of leather

Learning Outcome.

On completion the student will be able to:
Select suitable text blocks in need of this structure
Forward the book to the required standard
Make a Bradel binding including the use of tooling techniques

Understand how to manipulate leather to achieve the desired effect

Assessment Strategy.

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 1 finished item of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a good standard and understand the reasons for their use.
The Module is delivered over 6 days with all materials included.
Fee £800 per person.

5.Box Making.



Rationale.

 The box making module is intended to develop the students ability in making 2 styles of boxes for the books made during the  previous modules. The student will be able to select and use suitable materials and incorporate style and design ideas.

Aims

To identify the correct materials specific to the box style and use.
To explore design and material manipulation.
To apply the relevant techniques.
To understand internal measuring.

Learning Outcome

On completion the student will be able to:
Select suitable box styles and construction methods.
Apply the techniques for making boxes including a two tray drop back box
Apply techniques suitable for various uses

Assessment Strategy

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 finished boxes, one Slip Case and one Two Tray Drop Back Box. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply hand skills and material manipulation to a high standard and understand the working procedures. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise design, process and protection.
The Module is delivered over 4 days with all materials included.
Fee £600 per person.

ARTIST’S BOOK OR COMPLETE BOOK (Option A).



Rationale.

This module is intended to develop the students’ ability to explore print, book manipulation and creative journeys with the book. Either in a single work or multiples.

Aims.

 

To identify and use non traditional book  techniques and structures
To explore the book as a means of artistic and social expression
To apply the relevant techniques, working practices and mediums to realise finished works

Learning Outcome.

 

On completion the student will be able to:
Select suitable print techniques and mixed media
Forward the book to the required standard and manipulate as required
To understand the relationship of the artist and the book

Assessment Strategy.

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 finished items of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a high standard and understand the reasons for their use. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise working processes.
The Module is delivered over 6 days with some materials included.
Fee £800 per person.

INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY BRADEL DESIGN BINDING (Option B).



Rationale.

The Introduction to Contemporary Bradel Design Binding gives students the opportunity to make a Design Binding using contemporary and traditional techniques and materials.

Aims.

To expand existing skills and techniques whilst learning relevant traditional skills
To explore Design Binding with contemporary arts practices
To apply the relevant techniques, working practices and mediums

Learning Outcome.

On completion the student will be able to:
Select suitable construction methods
Forward the book to the required standard and manipulate as required
To boldly go where no one has been before


Many students who have completed this module have entered national and international competitions with many gaining awards.


Assessment Strategy.

Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 finished items of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a high standard and understand the reasons for their use. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise working processes.
The Module is delivered over 14 days with basic materials included.
Fee £2,000 per person.






THE SMALL PRINT.


The STUDIO 5 FOUNDATION IN BOOK ARTS AND BOOK BINDING Course is delivered in modules. The modules are intended to be completed in succession. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Course the student can be issued with a Studio 5 Certificate if required.  

 The complete Foundation Course of 5 modules is 25 days in duration. The fee (excluding options A and B) is £3,250.00 per person when each module is booked separately. However, the fee is reduced to £3,000.00 per person if all 5 modules are booked together, again delivered in a block or days to suit the individual student.

For students with prior knowledge, individual modules can be taken as stand alone short course - workshops and can be delivered in a block or days to suit the individual student.

The fee covers all tuition, hand tool use, workshop equipment as required and materials as outlined in the module information. 

A 50% non returnable deposit is required to confirm booking full payment being made no less than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the course or module. Once the course or module has begun no refunds are available.

To book a place or for more information please contact us.
Mark Cockram
Studio Five First Floor The Mews 46-52 Church Road Barnes London SW13 0DQ
Tel: 0208 563 2158 e-mail: studio5bookarts@aol.co.uk