The stories objects carry 

A practical week for makers, beginners and future conservators 

What makes us keep an object, repair it, or want to understand it better?

From family archives and photographs to ceramics, prints, illuminated pages and handmade books, this week explores the stories objects carry and what their materials, structures and surfaces can reveal about how they were made, used, kept and cared for.

Through materials, making and close observation, each course offers a practical way into how books and objects are understood and conserved.

Guided by West Dean tutors and specialist practitioners, most courses are suitable for beginners. Choose a single day, immerse yourself in a multi-day course, or combine several across the week. Make something of your own, explore a particular material, or begin to understand how objects are cared for and conserved. 

Conservation, conversation and canapés 

The week includes a complimentary evening talk and Q&A: Making Design Work: bookbinding and book conservation perspectives, and drinks reception on Wednesday 19 August for students booked onto any Summer School course.

A special opportunity to hear from Victoria Stevens, Head of School for Arts, Crafts and Conservation at West Dean, with Mark Cockram, Fellow of Designer Bookbinders and regular Booker Prize Binder.

The evening will explore how book design, making and conservation practice come together, and what this reveals about materials, use, repair and the life of a book.

Afterwards, continue the conversation over drinks and canapés, with time to ask questions and meet others with an interest in books,objects and conservation.

Included with any Summer School course booking.