Masterclass Bookbinding with John DeMerritt

Join renowned Bay Area bookbinder John DeMerritt for this special two-day Masterclass workshop focused on the art of the drum leaf binding technique. The drum leaf binding, developed by bookbinder and artist, Tim Ely, is an adhesive book structure made up of single folios attached back-to-back. Similar in make-up to a children’s “board book,” it utilizes minimal amounts of adhesive, avoiding issues of expansion and contraction. Only one side of each folio is visible in the finished book, making it an ideal structure to use when it’s only possible to print on one side of a sheet of paper. It’s perfect for printmakers and artists working with thick, stiff, or digitally optimized papers. Because there is no sewing in the gutter of the sections, it allows for seamless image crossover across the fold, and it lays very flat. Requiring minimal equipment and tools, it’s quickly made and can vary greatly in its function and appearance depending on paper, detailing, and covering material choices.

In this two-day workshop, DeMerritt will guide participants through examining the make-up of the text block using single folios of paper, PVA, and Japanese paper. Particular attention will be paid to paper choice for folios, proper glue application techniques and sequencing. The text block will then be trimmed and bound in-boards with a unique fly-away spine piece.

Each participant will make one book with materials provided by the instructor. Time providing, the group will also look at a couple of different spine variations and board coverings as well as addressing specific materials and projects that participants bring to the workshop.

ABOUT JOHN DEMERRITT
John DeMerritt owns and operates John DeMerritt Bookbinding, in Emeryville, CA. His studio produces books and portfolios for artists, galleries, fine press publishers and institutions.

John has taught and lectured at The SF Center for the Book, The Kala Institute, Columbia College Center for Book and Paper, Visual Studies Workshop, Oregon College or Arts and Craft, The Guild of Bookworkers, The North Bennett Street School, UC Santa Cruz, Dartmouth College, Mullowney Printmaking, Paper and Book Intensive and the Penland School of Craft.

From 2000 to 2013, he taught Book Structure at the San Francisco Art Institute.

John and his wife, Nora Pauwels, publish collaborative projects with artists under their imprint DeMerritt | Pauwels Editions.

John is currently the Bindery Consultant at Arion Press, San Francisco.

Images © John DeMerritt