Secondary Chemise Bookbinding Workshop
Band van bruin marokijn en een chemise in fluweel-KONB12-135J55, Koninklijke Bibliotheek
When: Sunday 05 July, 13.00-17.00
Where: University House: Beechgrove Room
Open to: IMC Delegates
Price: £47.50
How to Book: Advance Booking Required via IMC Registration
Directed by Linette Withers
'Was euer booke containing such vile matter
So fairely bound?'
The chemise binding, or chemisette, was a form of book cover used from the 12th to the 16th century. As a secondary form of binding (i.e. a binding that covers an already bound book), it offered an additional layer of protection. In the case of the girdle chemise, it also served to make the book more portable by allowing it to be attached to a belt at the waist. Frequently depicted in art of the period, chemise bindings came in a range of materials, including alum-tawed skin, leather, or fine fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet, and so could be used as sign of the owner’s status and wealth.
In this workshop, we will be looking at the sewn or unattached style of chemise binding, which is fitted directly to the book but can be removed if required. You will create your own chemise binding in velvet with optional tassels to fit either an existing book of your choosing or a blank notebook (provided by the instructor).
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, although some experience of hand sewing is helpful. Modern hardback notebooks will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own hardback books to cover. The recommended size is anything from A6 up to a maximum of A5, although smaller books can be accommodated. All other materials and tools will be provided. A facsimile copy will be present for comparison.
Linette Withers completed an MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds before joining the IMC team as Senior Congress Officer. She has been binding books since 2005 and since 2012 has worked as a professional book binder, producing codices and stationery that are inspired by historical examples. Her work was shortlisted for display at the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford as part of their ‘Redesigning the Medieval Book’ competition and exhibition in 2018. One of her books is also held in the permanent collection of the Lit & Phil in Newcastle after being part of an exhibition of bookbinding in 2021. In addition, she works with private and library repair projects and teaches bookbinding in her studio in Leeds.
This workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended.