ExpiredLate Medieval Binding Model

The Medieval binding may be the archetypal book with its heavy wooden boards partially covered in leather, prominent bands on the spine, and held shut with metal clasps.

In this class we will produce a quarter-bound Gothic binding. Students will learn how to sew on double cords, trim textblocks, sew endbands, shape wooden boards, and fabricate clasps. The class combines bookbinding, woodworking, and metalsmithing skills in the fabrication of a historical model.

Level: This class is appropriate for students at all levels.
Dates: 6 Wednesday evenings, April 8 – May 13
Time: 6pm-9pm
Max. no of students: 6
Instructor: Kevin Auer
Cost: $270 tuition + $30 materials fee

Note: Members receive a 10% discount off the price of tuition and materials. Please click here to join as a Member.

Completion of this class will qualify you to use the studios for your own projects. Details on Open Studio may be found here.

This class will meet on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, April 8th, 6-9pm
Wednesday, April 15th, 6-9pm
Wednesday, April 22nd, 6-9pm
Wednesday, April 29th, 6-9pm
Wednesday, May 6th, 6-9pm
Wednesday, May 13th, 6-9pm

Kevin Auer trained as an apprentice in bookbinding with Scott Mullenberg in Portland, Maine. He then worked as a conservation technician for a number of years at Cornell University. After graduating from the conservation program at the University of Texas at Austin, Kevin worked as a book conservator at the Walters Art Museum and has also done some book conservation at the Harry Ransom Center. Kevin learned letterpress from David Wolfe in Portland, Maine. He co-owned Wolfe Editions, a small shop that specialized in artists’ books and limited edition work. Kevin also ran his own shop for a number of years doing letterpress printing and book binding. He has taught letterpress at Dartmouth College, as part of their summer workshop program, and also taught letterpress as an adjunct professor at the Maryland Institute College of Art. And for the past year and a half, Kevin has been the shop manager for the letterpress shop in the Design Department at the University of Texas.