The listings are in chronological order. To purchase any of the following, please use the Video Order form. GBW members may borrow the videos from the Guild Library.
Quick Links to Video Listings
1994 - Dallas, Texas
1995 - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
1996 - Pasadena, California
1997 - Ann Arbor, Michigan
1998 - Greensboro, North Carolina
1999 - Chicago, Illinois
2000 - Salt Lake City, Utah
2001 - Alexandria, Virginia
2002 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
2003 - Denver, Colorado
2004 - Providence, Rhode Island
2005 - Portland, Oregon
2006 - 100th Anniversary, New York
2007 - Dallas, Texas
1994 - Dallas, Texas
In Search of Elegance: Board Edges Redefined with Eleanore Ramsey
Slides, discussion and demonstration of techniques for covering complicated shapes, focusing on elegant finishing.
Eleanore Ramsey teaches fine binding in San Francisco. Her bindings are in major exhibitions both in the U.S. and abroad.
Modified Limp Vellum Binding with Robert Espinosa
A demonstration of a binding with a three-component cover and an alum-tawed fitted spine piece combined with sides of limp vellum. This binding is an alternative to traditional limp vellum bindings for use in conservation treatments and creative binding.
Robert Espinosa is Preservation Librarian at the Harold B. Lee Library of Brigham Young University, where he was previously head of conservation.
Mending Vellum Bindings with Frank Mowery
A look at vellum production, and a demonstration of cleaning and repairing vellum with Japanese paper. How to flatten vellum and tips on storage and mounting techniques.
Frank Mowery is the head conservator and preservation officer at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C.
Design Applications & Possibilities with Tim Ely
Imaging and visual projection techniques and their employment on the triptych book surface. Unusual materials and technical methods are presented, as well as a history of symbolism and its usage on the book surface.
Tim Ely is a book artist with training in traditional binding. He studies philosophical as well as technical and innovative approaches to designing bindings
1995 - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Rx for Sick Books with Elaine Schlefer
Book conservation techniques are demonstrated, many of which were developed while working with Carolyn Horton. These include vellum stretching, post binding, paper humidification, board attachment, pulp mending and sewing methods.
Elaine Schlefer is Preservation Administrator/Conservator at the Gladys Brooks Book and Paper Conservation Laboratory, New York Academy of Medicine.
Danish Millimeter Binding with John Hyltoft
A demonstration resulting in a well-constructed binding that combines the elements of good design, elegance, and an economic use of costly materials, including a short history of this binding style.
John Hyltoft is the former Head of Conservation for the Smithsonian Institute Libraries, and is currently established as an independent contractor in Virginia.
Edge Gilding with John Mitchell
This presentation covers the necessary equipment, the types of liquid adhesives that are available, the most effective gold leaf to use, and the most efficient techniques required to produce solid gilt edges.
John Mitchell has taught at the London College of Printing, and was Senior Lecturer in charge of bookbinding. As Chief Examiner for the City & Guilds of London Institute, John is a silver medallist and author of two books on Edge Decoration and Gold Finishing.
Contemporary Edition Binding with Mindell Dubansky and Priscilla Spitler
Ms. Dubansky's slide lecture covered the many ways that books and art objects can be bound, with an explanation of the pragmatics of what makes a binding successful or unsuccessful and the differences in approach between library and edition binders. Ms. Spitler demonstrated her innovative time saving tips for cost-effective, edition case binding, including innovative jig designs, and discussion of supply sources and job bidding.
Mindell Dubansky is head of Book Conservation at the Metropolitan Museum Library in New York.
Priscilla Spitler is a teacher and hand bookbinder in her Smithville Texas studio, Hands On Bookbinding.
1996 - Pasadena, California
Cuir Cisele or Leather Schnitt with Jan Sobota
This technique of cut leather decoration was used in Central Europe from 1350 through 1500, and can be a striking way to decorate a leather bookbinding.
Jan Sobota attended the School of Applied Arts in Prague in 1957, received his Master of Applied Arts, majoring in Bookbinding in 1969. He was received the title of Meister des Einbandkunst by the MDE in 1979. Currently he teaches bookbinding in the Czech Republic.
Exposed Spine Binding with Louise Genest
This presentation foces on the binder's approach to the exposed spine bnding of a multiple-section textblock, demonstrating from beginning to completion, the step-by-step process for a full leather binding.
Louise Genest studied bookbinding in Montreal with Monique Lallier, served an apprenticeship in book conservation at Carolyn Horton and Assoc., and took courses with Deborah Evetts and Laura Young.
Dyeing and Staining Leather with Terry Buckley
Using both spirit and water stains, Terry Buckley discusses the importance of leather colors and decorations, methods he has tried for dyeing and staining leathers, and what he considers best for a particular book: modern design binding, traditional gilt style, or restoration project.
Terry Buckley is a specialist of Gold Finishing, Islamic Bindings, and Restoration. He served a six-year apprenticeship with W.T. Morrels, forwarding and finishing, and traineda t the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. He is presently Senior Lecturer (Bookbinding) at the London College of Printing.
Opening Up Photo Album Possibilities with Richard Horton
A short history of album production, materials and tools, photo mounting and stubbing, historical and recent models: advantages and disadvantages. Demonstrations of different styles of album pages.
Richard Horton attended Columbia U. and U. of Texas, Austin. He studied hand binding with Craig Jensen and has written many articles on album and box making.
1997 - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Japanese Papers with Donald Etherington and Nancy Jacobi
Nancy clarifies the confusion around washi with a hands-on examination of a variety of samples, and a look at ongoing changes affecting papermaking in Japan today.
Don shows various ways in which Japanese paper is used in bookbinding and conservation, including guarding, mending, lining and reinforcement.
Nancy Jacobi operates The Japanese Paper Place in Toronto Canada where she researches and sells fine quality Japanese papers.
Don Etherington runs the Etherington Conservation Center. He was previously Chief Conservation Officer at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, and was instrumental in developing the conservation program at the Library of Congress.
Gold Tooling with Donald Glaister
Demystifying some of the elements of gold tooling using both type and line tools, and a demonstration of a step-by-step plan for successful hand tooling.
Don Glaister began his career as a design binder and teacher, then worked as a book conservator at NEDCC. He currently lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio.
How to Treat Wooden Boards with Dag-Ernst Petersen
A demonstration in 2 parts showing how to Make wooden boards for a 16th century German book, and how to restore wooden boards.
Dag-Ernst Petersen is head conservator of the Herzog August Library in Wolfenbuettel, Germany and a Master Bookbinder.
Long and Link Stitch Binding with Pamela Spitzmueller
An historic look at materials and techniques of this non-adhesive sewing. Models, diagrams and slides show the underlying structure and its component parts. Includes a look at contempory expressions of long and link stitch.
Pamela Spitzmueller is Chief Conservator for Special Collections at Harvard Libraries, and formerly head of conservation at the University of Iowa Libraries. Pam also makes artistsí books.
1998 - Greensboro, North Carolina
On the Ellesmere Manuscript with Anthony Cains
A demonstration of the open-boarded covering of beech wood and paste-boarded models of typical 16th century bindings in the Trinity College, Dublin collections.
Anthony Cains has had a distinguished career in Europe as a bookbinder and conservator. He designed and established a workshop and laboratory in the Library of Trinity College Dublin. He has published, taught and lectured extensively.
English and German Style Leather Paring with Linda Blaser and Frank Mowery
Demonstration and discussion on two different styles of paring leather.
Linda Blaser studied Crafts in college and worked as a draftsman/illustrator before taking the opportunity of being trained at the Library of Congress. She studied with Peter Waters, Don Etherington and Christopher Clarkson.
Frank Mowery is head of Conservation at Folger Shakespeare Library. He studied bookbinding in Hamburg, Germany, at at the Staatliche Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste.
Decorative Papers with Linda Hohneke
A look at historic decorative papers used in bookbinding and some of the techniques used in their manufacture.
Linda Hohneke began working in book conservation as a volunteer with the Smithsonian Institution Book Conservation Lab and has worked in the Folger Shakespeare Library Conservation Lab since 1992.
Paper Engineering and Pop-ups with Carol Barton
This presentation demonstrates five basic paper engineering pop-up structures and explains the mechanical principles that allow them to function with the motion of the turning page. Also discusses is the creation of a simple mat board jig to allow for production for a small edition of pop-ups, and the process of die-cutting for larger editions.
Carol Barton is a book artist, curator, and arts administrator who has published several editions and organized local and national shows of artists' books. She has taught around the country, including at Penland School of Crafts, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Center for Book Arts in New York City.
1999 - Chicago, Illinois
Rounded Spine Boxes with Scott Kellar
Step-by-step instructions on making a rounded spine box.
Scott Kellar is a Bookbinder in private practice in Chicago and former Collections Conservator at Northwestern University Library.
Action on the Case with Maureen Duke
A demonstration and explanation of case binding to show how skill is used to vary the method used and style of case with regard to the given use and materials.
Maureen Duke has been a self-employed bookbinder and restorer, and a teacher of bookbinding since 1949. She is currently a tutor at Guildford College and Urchfont Manor in England.
Wire Edge Binding with Daniel Kelm
This presentation explores both the theoretical and practical concerns for integrating movement with materials in constructing a wire-edged binding, a binding where each "binding unit" (either a signature or single page) has wire attached to all edges that are to be joined to all adjacent units.
Daniel Kelm is proprieter of the Wide Awake Garage and Garage Annex School of book arts. He majored in chemistry, philosophy and education at the University of Minnesota. He taught chemistry for five years before shifting his focus to arts and crafts. Over the years he has wored at a number of binderies and has taught and lectured extensively.
Know Your Endpapers with Terry Boone, Jesse Munn and Mary Wootton
In this presentation three senior rare book conservators at the Library of Congress conduct a series of exercises designed to increase awareness of characteristics of handmade papers. Their work with hand papermakers to develop papers for use with a wide range of books includes consideration of relationships of new materials with old, including working properties and visual and tactual sympathy.
2000 - Salt Lake City, Utah
Miniature Bindings with Gabrielle Fox
An examination of various possibilities in the structure and design of miniatures, and how it can apply to cased-in and fine binding, as well as restoring or conserving miniature bindings.
Gabrielle Fox received her diploma in Fine Binding and Restoration at Guildford College. She has worked and taught in both the U.S. and England.
Medieval Binding Technique with Terry Buckley
A demonstration of how to bind a structure based on a 500-year-old German binding, but adapted to allow for more modern day aesthetics.
Terry Buckley is a Senior Lecturer in Bookbinding at the London College of Printing.
Examination of the Jacques Board Shear with Bill Minter
A presentation on servicing and maintaining Board Shears, especially the Jacques Board Shear.
Bill Minter is a bookbinder and conservator in private practice. He has developed several tools used in the preservation of books and paper.
Adhesives with Karen Zukor. How natural and synthetic adhesives are classified and formulated, their working properties, aging characteristics and other useful information for conservation and bookbinding.
Karen Zukor is a professional paper conservator in private practice. She teaches conservation program interns and lectures widely.
Girdle Bindings with Pamela Spitzmueller. An historical look at girdle binding types and structures used in medieval Europe, and a demonstration of how different types were made using various materials.
Pamela Spitzmueller is Chief Conservator for Special Collections at Harvard Libraries, and formerly head of conservation at the University of Iowa Libraries. Pam also makes artists' books.
2001 - Alexandria, Virginia
Romanesque bindings with Jiri Vnoucek
A look at 10th-13th century bindings, including parchment making, and a demonstration of practical examples of binding construction such as sewing, spine treatment and covering.
Jiri Vnoucek is head of the conservation department in the National Library in Prague, and teaches book conservation at the School of Conservation in Litomyol.
Traditional Foundations of Non-Traditional Artwork with Suzanne Moore
This presentation focuses on the adaptation of classical page design, concepts, and techniques to contemporary book design. Included is a hands-on demonstration showing many of the inventive paste paper techniques she has developed and a slide talk discussing how they can be utilized in modern book arts design.
Suzanne Moore received a BFA in Printmaking and then purused lettering study and book arts in San Francisco. Her painted and lettered books have bene exhibited and acquired widely. She currently lives in Cleveland where she is the art director of th elettering design group at American Greetings.
Vellum Binding with Peter Verheyen
In this presentation, participants learn about covering a book in vellum using a technique based on the German Bradel binding, of constructing a case which reduces the pull created by the expansion and contraction of vellum. Variants include laced vellum sewing slips, full and quarter vellum, making corners and molding headcaps.
Peter Verheyen studied book conservation in Germany and book restoration at Ascona Switzerland. He was a Mellon intern at the Folger, worked with Heinke Pensky-Adam, with Bill Minter and at Yale. He is currently rare book conservator at Cornell University.
Mending Paper with Christine Smith
A review of materials and techniques that fine art conservators use to mend tears and fill losses. Topics include adhesives, choice of papers and their treatment, tools and surface finishes.
Christine Smith is President and Chief Conservator at Conservation of Art on Paper, Inc. She has an M.S. in Art Conservation from Winterthur Museum and was previously Paper Conservator for the Smithsonian's CAL and National Portrait Gallery.
2002 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chemise and Slipcase with Monique Lallier
This presentation focusses on the making of a chemise and a slipcase over a book already bound. The French "chemise" wraps around the book with narrow flaps at the foredge. The slipcase fits over the chemise and follows the roundness of the spine. They can be lined with suede leather, felt or paper.
Monique Lallier studied French techniques at Líart de la Reliure in Montreal, with Edwin Heim and with Hugo Peller in Switzerland. She has over 30 years experience in book making and her work has been exhibited internationally.
Illumination with Dennis Ruud
A construction of an illuminated page on vellum, using tools and techniques of modern calligraphers. Dennis demonstrates quill cutting, knife making, vellum preparation, writing, glilding on gesso and color application, resulting in a finished illuminated folio.
Dennis Ruud has studied and taught calligraphy for 25 years and has been a book conservator in private practice in Minneapolis for 19 years.
Papermaking: Before and After, Pulp, Paper and Beyond with Bridget O'Malley
This presentation addresses choices made before the sheet is formed and after. Appearance, feel and performance of the sheet are determined by selection of raw materials, processes used during formation and afterward by surface dyes, gelatin size, burnishing and calendaring.
Ms. O'Malley is co-proprietor of Cave Paper in Minneapolis and teaches throughout the country. She completed a 5 year apprenticeship with Tim Barrett at the University of Iowa Center for the Book.
Historical & Contemporary Album Structure with Olivia Primanis
Different types of historical album structures are demonstrated, and their various advantages and dis-advantages are addressed. How nineteenth and twentieth century albums are constructed offers inspiration for the design of contemporary albums.
Olivia Primanis is a Book Conservator at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center in Austin TX. She was an apprentice of Jean Gunner at Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
2003 - Denver, Colorado
Spring Back Ledger Binding with Richard Baker
A demonstration of the construction of a traditional, spring back ledger syle binding. This style of binding is ideal for financial ledgers, journals, diaries, and guest books or other books which need to open fully to allow writing near the gutter margins. Details are giving on the endsheets, board attachement, and spring back structures.
Richard Baker has been binding books since 1973, when he started taking classes with the late Bill Anthony. He has worked at Johns Hopkins University, the Smithsonian Institution and the American Antiquarian Society. Since 1989, he had his own book and paper conservation studio in St. Louis, where he also teaches students in bookbinding.
Incorporating 3-Dimensional Objects into Cover Design with Tini Miura
A demonstration of several techniques to fix pyrite, a think slice of agate, semi-precious stones and mother of pearl into and onto the covers of books.
Tini Miura teaches design binders at the school for graphic professions in Stockholm, and Meisie University in Tokyo. She is Executive Director of the American Academy of Bookbinding in Telluride CO.
Presentation Considerations in the Design and Creation of Artists' Books with Julie Chen
Ms. Chen shows slides and examples of elaborate book and box constructions. She demonstrates the use of magnets in both boxes and book covers.
Julie Chen is a book artist and book arts instructor at Mills College as well as various summer workshops. She has published limited edition artist's books under the Flying Fish Press for 15 years.
Covering in Leather with Mark Esser
Characteristics of leather to consider when choosing a skin are discussed. A demonstration follows of a traditional covering including paring, pasting out, laced board attachment, and forming corners, joints and caps.
Mark Esser has been Rare Book Conservator at the John J. Burns Library in Boston since 1994. He apprenticed with Bill Anthony and developed the hand bookbinding program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston.
2004 - Providence, Rhode Island
Edge Decoration Techniques with Peter Geraty
A demonstration of several techniques including solid edge gilding and edge coloring. Different methods and their importance or superfluity are presented to provide participants a basis for making gilding decisions.
Peter Geraty has been a bookbinder since 1975 and currently runs Praxis Bindery providing conservation, edition binding and fine binding.
Half-leather Trade Binding with Mark Andersson
A demonstration of a trade binding popular in mid 20th century Sweden, used primarily on sewn paperbound volumes produced to be taken to a binder by the buyer. This structure featured hooked endsheets and was sewn on recessed cords.
Mark Andersson graduated from the North Bennet Street School in 1992, worked at the University of Washington and received a Fulbright Scholarship for the study of Scandinavian bookbinding and conservation practices. He currently teaches at Boston's North Bennett School.
Japanese Pouch/Four Hole Binding with Kiyoshi Imai
A demonstration of the binding style featuring a text block folded at the fore-edge forming pouch-like pages. Lining the cover material, preparation of the sewing thread and decorative sewing techniques are shown.
Kiyoshi Imai is a book conservator at Northeast Document Conservation Center and teaches workshops at the North Bennet Street School and in Vietnam.
Medieval Limp Vellum/Leather Structure with Adam Larsson
Originating 600 years ago, the elements of this structure are guards of vellum, spine plates of wood, horn or leather, and the "over" weaving of the exposed spine. Ways of decorating vellum are demonstrated and slides are shown from the Uppsala University library.
Adam Larsson has trained in Scandinavian and French bilnding techniques. He has been a book conservator at Uppsala University since 1994 and lectures on historical Scandinavian bookbinding techniques.
Conservation of Historic Bindings Using Adhesive and Non-adhesive Methods with Nancy Southworth
An examination of conservation methods used on limp and hard board parchment bindings. Topics include cleaning, flattening, and mending covers on and off the text block. Mending or repairing endbands, pastedowns, spine liners and sewing slips is addressed as well as toning all materials used. Housings designed for parchment bindings are shown.
Nancy Southworth is a book conservator in private practice in New Hampshire. She interned at the Folger Library and worked with Abigail Quandt and the late Barbara Giuffrida.
Foundation Session: Photographing Your Artwork with P.J. Saine
This Foundations Session reviews the basics of digital imaging and the principles of studio lighting for photography. A working studio is created and books provided by participants are digitally photographed.
P. J. Saine writes, lectures internationally and exhibits his photography in galleries and museums. His latest book is New Hampshire Rock Portraits.
2005 - Portland, Oregon
Lacunose (An Artistic Invention) with Paul Delrue
A demonstrations of a technique developed to achieve a style of working with leather for fine bindings. Lacunose means furrowed, or pitted, and the leather is applied in pieces and sanded to reveal colors, shapes and textures within the skin. Slides of Lacunose bindings are shown.
Paul Delrue has been in private practice since 1971 in England and has completed over 300 special bindings. He has won many bookbinding awards and medals, and is a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders and Honorary Fellow of the Society of Bookbinders.
The Drumleaf Binding with Timothy Ely
The drumleaf system is compounded from a variety of structures, and can be used to assemble books of one-sided folio spreads or single leaves formed into folios.
Timothy Ely earned an MFA in design from the University of Washington and spent 1982 in the UK studying bookbinding methods and techniques. He lives and practices his craft in the Palouse Empire near the Idaho/Washington Border. His books can be found in collections worldwide.
Wunderkabinette with Hedi Kyle
Inspired by renaissance curiosity cabinets, Hedi creates architectural book environments of moveable nooks and crannies to hoard treasures of three-dimensional curiosities and self-made concoctions.
Hedi Kyle recently retired as Head Conservator at the American Philosophical Society. She is Adjunct Professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has taught workshops for 20 yrs. Hedi's one-of-a-kind constructions have been exhibited and collected internationally.
Edelpappband with Renate Mesmer
This paper binding structure requires precise execution to function properly. The presentation includes a history of Edelpappband and shows examples. A demonstration covers sewing on frayed cords, spine lining, board attachment, and covering.
Renate Mesmer is the Assistant Head of Conservation at the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the former director of the Book and Paper Conservation Program at the Centro del bel Libro in Ascona, Switzerland. She has a Masters in bookbinding from the Chamber of Crafts of Palatinate in Germany.
Traditional Marbling with Peggy Skycraft
A demonstration, using modern materials, of traditional marbled patterns on cloth, paper and leather. The use of ground pigments is covered as well as techniques for lining cloth and protecting leather after marbling.
Peggy Skycraft has been a self-employed decorative paper producer for 30 years. She studied at the Chicago Art Institute. Skycraft Papers offers marbled and hand-decorated papers, and supplies.
Foundations Session: Letterpress Printing with Inge Bruggeman
An overview of letterpress printing using handset lead type and photopolymer plates. The uses and strengths of each media is discussed, and participants print their own test plates on a Vandercook proof press.
Inge Bruggeman earned an MFA from the University of Alabama Book Arts Program and then was artist-in-residence at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. She runs a letterpress and design business called Textura, and teaches in the Portland area.
2006 - GBW 100th Anniversary Video Set
The Guild of Book Workers is pleased to announce the availability of the complete proceedings of the Centennial Celebration held in New York City in Ocotber, 2006. This is an eight disc set which includes all the presentations made over the two day seminar. The set is available for $100 plus $5 shipping and handling. Currently, the GBW does not take onine orders, so please print out the order form to purchase this historic recording.
For a complete listing of all the presentations, please click here.
2007 - Dallas, Texas
Gold Leaf Tooling on Leather with Stuart Brockman
A demonstration of methods and skills for gold leaf tooling of labels on goatskin, the use of line fillets and patterned rolls on boards and board edges, lettering a convex spine and the use of pallets and center tools.
Stuart Brockman trained with his father James in the UK. He has led workshops and lectured in the UK Canada Finland and the USA.
Plain-Jane Rrestoration—Making Books functional, with Catherine Burkhard
This presentation shows basic, yet quality restoration techniques for books with personal value, where cost-effective restoration is called for.
Catherine Burkhard is a bookbinder and calligrapher and has been an instructor in both fields. She works in her Books’n Letters Studio in Dallas TX where she is a professional craftsperson and instructor.
Original Binding Structures and Decorations with Roberta Lavadour
A demonstration focusing on original binding structures and book decoration inspired by the Cowboy and Indian heritage of Eastern Oregon.
Roberta Lavadour publishes her artist’s books at the Mission Creek Press in Eastern Oregon. Her work has been widely exhibited and resides in collections around the world.
Practical Strategies for Editions with Kitty Maryatt
This session focuses on designing a student letterpress edtiton of 100 copies. It demonstrates a variety of materials both traditional and non-traditional and use of jigs for repetitive tasks.
Kitty Maryatt is Director of the Scripps College Press and Assistant Professor of Arts at Scripps. She owns Two Hands Press in Play Vista CA where she designs and prints books and bindings for clients.
Creating Medieval Stationer’s Binding Structures: Lacing Patterns, Tacketing Methods, and Leather Making with Chela Metzger
Stationers bindings are completed showing lacing and tacketing, and closures with loops, ties or buttons. The unique history of blank books and concerns for conserving them are discussed.
Chela Metzger is a bookbinder and Conservator currently teaching book history and book conservations at the University of Texas at Austin.
Design Principles and the Book with Keith Owens
This presentation introduces foundational design and color principles and their use in innovative book design. Visuals illustrate the application of these principles in book design.
Keith Owens is an assistant professor of communication design at the Univ. of North Texas School of Visual Arts and also teaches at Texas Tech. He is a designer of custom books, albums and boxes., and Educ. chair of AIGA Dallas Ft Worth chapter.
Behind the Design with Priscilla Spitler
This presentation shows the designer binding process of overall cover design, from concept to thumbnail sketch, to laying out a final blueprint for leather onlay.
Priscilla Spitler studied printmaking at CA Coll. of Arts and Crafts, bookbinding at London Coll. of Printing and design binding at UT. She worked as an edition binder, and now has her own Hands On Bookbinding studio moving to Truth or Consequences, NM.