Books and Conservation Summer School is a themed series of short courses exploring the making, meaning and preservation of books, print, ceramics and archival materials. The week brings together bookbinding, decorative techniques, letterpress, illumination and conservation practice, offering an opportunity to experience both traditional craft skills and contemporary approaches to working with books and related cultural objects. 

Taught by practising makers and conservators, the week bridges traditional craft skills and contemporary approaches. Through practical workshops, you will explore the rich dialogue between construction and conservation, learning how making informs care and how conservation reveals the histories embedded within objects.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, these courses offer a deep dive into material understanding, experimentation, and the role of the handmade object in a digital age.

Evening talk and Q&A
Students who book onto a Book Con Summer School short course are invited to attend a very special evening talk and Q&A on Wednesday, 19 August (6pm-8.30pm) which centres around Making Design Work: Bookbinding and Book Conservation Perspectives. 

Hosted by Victoria Stevens and Mark Cockram, the session invites reflection on how different disciplines interpret original intent in books and bindings, and how design decisions are negotiated across making and preservation.
Entry is complimentary for students booked onto any of the courses during the Book Con Summer School week and includes informal discussion with a glass of wine, Pimms & lemonade and canapes.