North Bennet Street School

Dates: Saturday, January 17th & Sunday, January 18th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Todd Pattison

Vellum manner bindings were developed for the London publisher John Newbury as an inexpensive alternative to leather bindings, substituting parchment for the spine covering at a time when there were leather shortages in England. Newbury claimed in a 1774 advertisement that they were “sewed much better than the Books which are bound in Leather; open easier at the Back, and are not so liable to warp in being read.” Previously thought to be the first commercially viable edition case bindings, the boards on vellum manner bindings are now known to have been attached to the text block prior to covering. 

In this workshop, students will make a vellum manner binding using period construction techniques, using the green parchment and marbled paper covers that are so distinctive of the originals. Historical examples will be examined to compare to Newbury’s description of the advantages of this style of bindings and to help better understand how Newbury could make the offer to have returned damaged volumes “new covered for a Penny, an advantage that can not be remedied in Leather.” 

No prior bookbinding experience is required. Participants in the workshop will learn sewing on parchment tapes, adhering boards, binding construction, and how to work with parchment to cover a binding with the boards already attached.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class. 

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

• Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
• No loose clothing
• Long pants suggested
• No loose jewelry
• Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: None

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.