Reverse Piano Hinge: Bookmaking for Improvers

This workshop is a follow-on/improvers for those who have either completed an ‘Intro to Bookmaking’ short course or have some basic understanding and experience of bookmaking techniques. It will take binding a step further and explore the reverse piano hinge structure. This unusual binding uses folded strips woven through the spine to create a flexible, interchangeable book. It allows for pages to be easily removed, rearranged, or added, making it both a functional and experimental form.

WHAT YOU'LL DO/MAKE/TAKE AWAY:

We’ll begin with a quick re-cap of folding and cutting techniques to revisit some fundamentals, before moving into the hinge method. You’ll create a trial mock-up to learn how to prepare and fold the spine strips and weave the binding, and follow this up by creating a finished hard-back book block that can hold a variety of paper types. The structure lends itself well to makers who want to test ideas, present works in progress, or build modular books. By the end of the session, you’ll take away at least one completed reverse piano hinge book, depending on your pace of working. Because this workshop is a follow-on/for improvers, you are encouraged to bring pieces of work with you that you would like to bind in to the book, otherwise we will create blank books to fill.

SUITABLE FOR IMPROVERS:

This workshop is designed for those who have some basic bookmaking experience—whether from my intro course or elsewhere—and want to expand their skills with more unusual bindings. It’s especially suitable for artists and designers interested in adaptable formats for presenting visual work, collections, or evolving projects.

Be aware that bookmaking requires a moderate degree of dexterity (use of craft knives, needle and thread) and this particular book requires confidence in accurate measuring. Due to the use of sharp equipment in this course, under 18s or vulnerable adults are to be accompanied by a fully-paying responsible adult.

About the artist:

This workshop is delivered by Zoe Platt, founder of Short & Few, artist educator and graphics practitioner. Her education and training background is in graphic design and typography, and over time her practice has become more process-driven, with a hands-on and analogue approach to image-making. With over a decade of teaching experience in college-level art and design, as well as TEFL for summer camps (and a stint in China!), her approach to teaching and doing creative things taps in to a broad range of subjects, including sculpture, surface pattern, photography and creative writing. She is at her best when she is teaching and doing creative things - whether this is making books or prints, or working with others and supporting them to find their best creative selves.

When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.

If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.