This workshop offers the unique experience of combining Japanese paper dyeing, bookbinding and box-making in one Summer School course. You will be guided through the process of practicing suminagashi (Japanese marbling) and orizome (folded resist dyeing) to create the covers for 6 different binding styles, (four hole, five hole, noble, tortoise shell, hemp leaf and accordion).

On this course the tutor will supply all/most/some of the materials including Greyboard, washi paper, patterned papers, fabrics, bone & acrylic clasps, nori paste, newsprint, inks for paper dyeing, thread.Housed within a hako chitsu (wrap-around box), you will create your own paper-backed fabrics using thin, strong washi paper, to make book-cloth using the traditional urauchi technique with water and nori paste. Bone clasps will be used to fasten the cloth covered box to secure the selection of books within.

Using authentic Japanese papers (washi), and linens and silks sourced from Japan, this course provides the opportunity to create a selection of the strongest, most elegant and practical bindings for printmakers and artists’ working with the book form and the skills to construct similar boxes in the future and expand your paper dyeing practice.

Summer School highlights: The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘going green’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios

As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all/most/some of the materials including: Greyboard, washi paper, patterned papers, fabrics, bone & acrylic clasps, nori paste, newsprint, inks for paper dyeing, thread.

What students need to bring

Please bring any bookbinding tools you may have such as bone folders, sharp pencils, erasers, a notebook to take notes.

Available to buy

Available from tutor: Washi paper will be available to purchase from the tutor to use for future projects.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required. 
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.

Terms & Conditions