'Waste not, want not': 16th-Century Manuscript Limp Binding

Directed by Linette Withers

When: Sunday 06 July, 13.00-16.00
Where: University House: Beechgrove Room
Price: £35.50

Discover one of the many ways in which medieval manuscripts were repurposed to solve everyday problems. Non-glued stationery bindings designed to lay flat and to be added to over time were made regularly from the 16th through to the 18th century. This class will look at one type, based on an example from 1564 described in Langwe’s Limp bindings from the Vatican Library where recycled medieval manuscript pages were used as the cover. Linette will lead you through the steps to make your own lay-flat sketchbook, using only paper, card, needle, and thread.

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, though some experience of sewing is helpful. All tools and materials will be provided.

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.