Dates: Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd October | 10am–1pm
Designed for both complete beginners and experienced returners.
Across four relaxed morning sessions, you'll discover the craft of bookbinding while exploring paper marbling and Coptic binding, one of the most versatile and rewarding book structures to learn.
Beginning with the fundamentals, you'll become familiar with the tools, materials and techniques used in contemporary bookbinding before gradually building the confidence to create your own beautifully hand-bound books. Coptic binding is a favourite among many bookbinders because it allows books to lie completely flat when open, making them ideal for sketchbooks, journals and artists' books.
Whether you're completely new to bookbinding or looking to expand your existing skills, this course offers the time to develop your confidence while creating a finished book to take home.
You will learn:
The fundamentals of Coptic bookbinding.
How to prepare, fold and sew book sections.
An introduction to paper marbling for creating your own covers.
How to use traditional bookbinding tools and materials with confidence.
All materials and equipment are provided, and both beginners and experienced bookbinders are welcome. If you have your own favourite tools, papers or materials, you're welcome to bring them along. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the course, and Cherry Farm Café is next door if you'd like lunch, cake or refreshments.
Dates: Wednesday evenings | 6pm–9pm
Thursday all day | 10am - 5pm
If you're looking for dedicated studio time to continue a creative project, our Community Access sessions provide access to our print studio, equipment and facilities in a relaxed and supportive environment. These sessions are ideal for independent practitioners who are comfortable working on their own and simply need the space, equipment and time to develop their work.
Currently our Open Access sessions focus on relief printmaking using our Victorian Albion Press. While we can't yet offer facilities for intaglio processes, you're welcome to use the studio for lino printing, monotype preparation, drawing or other creative projects that benefit from a shared workshop environment.
Whether you're printing an edition, preparing work for an exhibition or simply setting aside time for your own practice, Open Access offers the freedom to work alongside other artists in our friendly community studio.
You will be able to:
Work independently using our printmaking facilities.
Continue existing projects or begin new ones at your own pace.
Make use of our Victorian Albion Press and shared studio equipment.
Meet other printmakers and become part of our creative community.
During your first Open Access session, we’ll need to give you a 30 minute induction, introducing you to the studio, equipment, studio guidelines and safe working practices. This induction is included with your first booking and is designed to help you feel confident using the space independently. If you're booking multiple Open Access sessions, select the induction option on the first date you attend; you'll only need to complete it once.
Inks, tools, basic materials and studio facilities are provided. Papers, lino and Perspex are available to purchase if required. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting inky, and bring lunch or a snack if needed. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the session, and Cherry Farm Café is next door if you'd like refreshments.
Date: Fri 28 August | 2pm–5pm
Paper marbling is one of those magical processes that never quite loses its sense of surprise. Every sheet you lift from the water reveals something completely unique, making it a wonderfully playful way to explore colour, pattern and movement.
In this 3-hour workshop, you'll learn how to prepare paper for marbling, mix a marbling bath and create your own colours before producing a collection of beautifully marbled papers. Whether you use them for bookbinding, wrapping paper, artwork or simply frame them, you'll leave with a collection of original designs to take home.
You will learn:
How to prepare paper for marbling.
How to mix and use a traditional marbling bath.
Techniques for creating vibrant colour and pattern.
How to produce your own unique marbled papers.
No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy or bring an apron, as paper marbling can be unpredictable! Tea and coffee are available throughout the workshop, and Cherry Farm Café is next door if you'd like lunch, cake or refreshments.
Date: Fri 14 August | 2pm–5pm
Suminagashi, meaning 'floating ink', is one of the oldest forms of paper marbling, dating back to 12th-century Japan. Gentle, meditative and beautifully unpredictable, it's a practice that encourages you to slow down and become sensitive to the movement of water.
During this workshop, you'll learn about the history of Suminagashi before exploring the process for yourself. Using sumi ink and brushes, we'll gradually build delicate patterns on the surface of water before carefully transferring them onto paper. Every print is unique, making each sheet a quiet record of the moment it was created.
You will learn:
The history and principles of Suminagashi.
How to create and control floating ink patterns.
Techniques for transferring patterns successfully onto paper.
How to embrace the calm, mindful nature of the process.
No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. If the weather is kind to us, we may even take the workshop outdoors and work surrounded by Abbotsbury's beautiful landscape. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy or bring an apron, as we'll be working with ink throughout the session. Tea and coffee are provided, and Cherry Farm Café is next door if you'd like refreshments.
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