Weekly Bookbinding Report: glue removal, sewing, repairing
Week eight as an apprentice bookbinder at York Bookbinding
Week eight at York Bookbinding entailed removing glue from a big old bible, repairing pages, and sewing up a small bible.
Week eight accomplishments:
- Removing glue from the spine of an old large bible.
- Repairing the pages and re-sewing a small bible.
- Started repairing the pages of the large bible.
- Working on live briefs independently.
- Learning new skills and adapting to various book sizes.
Glue removal progress:
Effective reparation:
New skills acquired during week eight:
- Removing old glue using wallpaper paste.
- Repairing pages on a large book.
- Sewing without the cradle for a small book.
- Adapting to working with different sized books.
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Helen showing me how to use wallpaper paste to remove glue.
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| Removing cling film gradually and taking off the glue using a bone folder. |
Before and after of repairing large pages:
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| Creating a raised platform to create a more effective space for workflow. |
Sewing onto tapes without the cradle for a smaller size book:
What I need to improve on:
Speed of work - specifically removing dog ears!
Notes of the week:
- Using judgement when repairing - best to do the cleanest option and not spend too much time trying to keep things as authentic as possible.
- Take regular breaks when doing intensive repair work to save the body.
