Class Manual Binding Techniques

This UC aims to give students theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of bookbinding, specifically considering its applicability in the individual production of artist books, zines, or other DIY publications of small circulation.

Theoretical notions about the history of the book. Historical, geographical context and terminological clarification (illustrated book, artistic book and artist book); formats and possibilities of the book as an object.
Specific binding tools.
Specific binding materials.
Specific binding techniques.
Creation of individual supports and materials.
Introduction to seamless binding: accordion book, diamond book, butterfly book, envelope book, Zhen Xian Bao.
Introduction to stitching binding: sewn notebook, Japanese binding, Coptic binding.
Introduction to book protection structures - covers and boxes.
Final project: artist's book with a visual narrative using one or more techniques explored in class that demonstrate coherence between core, cover and structure.

Active methodologies that articulate theory and practice and the construction of knowledge by students. In addition to traditional classes on the syllabus (lectures, using audiovisual media), a permanent attitude of investigation and inquiry is proposed. Learning by doing is encouraged, which is fundamental for understanding the processes of book creation, a very important artistic support in the Visual Arts Degree. Learning and/or remembering seemingly simple techniques such as cutting, folding and glueing is fundamental in the basic training of artists. The assessment favours the formative dimension, considering: (1) Several simple binding projects with white pages inside; (2) the Final project - an artist's book. Evaluation criteria: Participation, attendance and cooperation (20%); (1) simple projects (40%); (2) final project - artist's book (40%).

¿Aldren Auld Watson. (1996). Hand bookbinding¿: a manual of instruction. New York: Dover Publications.

Beattie, S. (2018, November 15). Decorated Book Papers: a Beginner¿s Guide | The New Antiquarian | The Blog of The Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. Www.Abaa.Org. https://www.abaa.org/blog/post/decorated-book-papers-a-beginners-guide

Chartier, R. (1998). As utilizac¿o¿es do objecto impresso, se¿culos XV-XIX. Algés: Difel, D.L.

¿Goode, S., Yonemura, I., & London Centre For Book Arts. (2017). Las artes del libro¿: Una gui¿a para fabricar y encuadernar libros en casa. Barcelona: Gustavo Gili.

Houston, K. (2016). The book¿: a cover-to-cover exploration of the most powerful object of our time. New York and London: W.W. Norton & Company.

Ko¿sanjin Ikegami, & Stephan, B. B. (2015). Japanese bookbinding¿: instructions from a master craftsman. Weatherhill.

Vale, P. (2012) Tarefas infinitas: quando a arte e o livro se ilimitam. Catálogo. Lisboa: Gulbenkian