WORKSHOP // Hard cover bookbinding

Sun Sep 28 2025 at 10:30 am to 04:30 pm UTC+01:00

20 Castle Terrace | Edinburgh

Agitate
Publisher/HostAgitate
WORKSHOP \/\/ Hard cover bookbinding
Advertisement
Make a hand bound book with hard cover and print recess here in the AGITATE studio, led by Gillian Stewart (Juju Books)
About this Event

The skills used in making a hand sewn hardcover book are fundamental to bookbinding, equipping you with the skills to make and understand books better. During this one day course you'll be led through the process step by step by professional bookbinder Gillian Stewart of Juju Books. You'll be able to go forward making books of your own with minimal equipment, or to create dummies to showcase your work. All materials will be provided, and each participant will leave the workshop with a finished book, with blank pages ready to fill with photographs.
The workshop will cover:



  • How to handle bookbinding tools
  • How to measure and cut materials
  • Preparing pages and sewing a multi-section book block
  • Lining a book block and adding endpapers
  • How to make a hardcover with recess for a print
  • Attaching book cloth and cover together


Please note: booking for this session will close 7-days in advance of the workshop (noon, Sunday 21 September).



Practicalities:

Entry to the AGITATE studio is via the main entrance to Saltire Court. A member of AGITATE will meet you at reception. Please arrive promptly between 10:15AM and 10:30AM. For sustainability purposes we encourage participants to use public transport where possible, but paid parking is available on-street outside the studio or in the Castle Terrace carpark directly opposite. Please note that it is expensive - more info here.

The studio is located on the second floor, accessible via lift, and there is an accessible toilet facility on the same level. There is plenty of breakout space available if needed. We will pause for lunch at approximate 12:30PM. There is a fridge and a microwave in the space, and AGITATE will provide coffee, hot water for tea, and biscuits.

You do not need any prior bookmaking experience to take part in this session and all materials and tools will be provided for use during the day. The workshop will be seated however a standing desk is available if you would prefer - please get in touch with [email protected] to request this and if you have any further questions.


About Juju books:

Juju Books is a contemporary design and bookbinding practice, founded in 2017 by prize-winning bookbinder Gillian Stewart. A QEST Ambassador and graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Gillian's background is in design, illustration and printmaking. Combined with traditional bookbinding skills gained through years of experience and intense training across Europe, Gillian seeks to make beautifully crafted objects to elevate, archive and inspire for years to come.


Agenda
How to handle bookbinding tools
How to measure and cut materials
Preparing pages and sewing a multi-section book block
Comfort break
Lining a book block and adding endpapers
How to make a hardcover with recess for a print
Attaching book cloth and cover together
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

20 Castle Terrace, Saltire Court, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 103.63

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Edinburgh

FARA at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh
Sat, 27 Sep at 08:00 pm FARA at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh

The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh

Ceilidh in Charteris Centre
Sat, 27 Sep at 08:00 pm Ceilidh in Charteris Centre

Greyfriars Charteris Centre

KAREN DUNBAR : Live
Sat, 27 Sep at 08:30 pm KAREN DUNBAR : Live

Lauriston Hall

Eastbound: Tommy Phillips
Sat, 27 Sep at 10:00 pm Eastbound: Tommy Phillips

Cabaret Voltaire

Professor Elemental & Laurie Black
Sun, 28 Sep at 08:00 am Professor Elemental & Laurie Black

The Voodoo Rooms - Bar, Restaurant & Function Rooms in Edinburgh

Great Global Greyhound Walk
Sun, 28 Sep at 09:30 am Great Global Greyhound Walk

Stanedykehead (off Alnwickhill Road), Edinburgh

Makers Market at Lind & Lime
Sun, 28 Sep at 11:00 am Makers Market at Lind & Lime

Lind & Lime Gin

Area 9 Autumn Side Saddle Show
Sun, 28 Sep at 11:00 am Area 9 Autumn Side Saddle Show

Pentland Livery Stables

Wedding & Events Fair
Sun, 28 Sep at 11:00 am Wedding & Events Fair

140 Crewe Road South, EH4 2NY Edinburgh

Discover Dean Cemetery Tour
Sun, 28 Sep at 11:00 am Discover Dean Cemetery Tour

Dean Cemetery

Move, Rest, Relate: A day of Yoga & Authentic Relating
Sun, 28 Sep at 11:00 am Move, Rest, Relate: A day of Yoga & Authentic Relating

The Salisbury Centre

She Means Business Market at Leith Arches
Sun, 28 Sep at 12:00 pm She Means Business Market at Leith Arches

Leith Arches

Edinburgh is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Edinburgh Events