Bookbinding
Discover the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly.
Course overview
Receive a unique introduction to the craft of Bookbinding with master bookbinder Tom O'Reilly. Our introduction to bookbinding courses run as one-day workshops or 3-week evening courses. Our new improvers courses run across six weeks or you can choose to attend two-day workshops.
During the course you’ll explore the principles behind Bookbinding, discover the craft and leave with your very own bound book in cloth or leather. The introductory course can be accessed by beginners through to all levels and is a fantastic place to start. The improvers course is suitable for those who want to spend time exploring more detailed bookbinding techniques.
All materials and equipment are included in the price (additional cost of £10 on the introductory course for those choosing to work in leather).
Tuition fees per individual:
- Introductory course (1 day): £150
- Improvers course (2 days): £275
See course dates below that are available to book.
Upcoming Bookbinding Short Courses
Sat 17 Jan 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - Jan 2026
In-person
Join us for a one day introduction to book binding with master book binder Tom O'Reilly Over the ...
Sat 14 Mar 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - March 2026
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course March 2026
Sat 11 Apr 2026
Saturdays 11 April & 18 Apr | £275
Bookbinding Improvers - April 2026
In-person
2-day Improvers book binding course with Tom O Reilly
Sat 09 May 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - May 2026
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course May 2026
Wed 24 Jun 2026
Wednesday evenings 24th June - 8th July
Intro to Book binding - evening classes summer 2026
In-person
Introduction to book binding 3-week evening course summer 2026
Wed 22 Jul 2026
Wednesday evenings 22nd Jul - 26th Aug | £275
Bookbinding Improvers - Evening classes summer 2026
In-person
A 6 week evening class for bookbinding improvers
If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.
Apart from our Short Courses for 14-17 Year Olds, all of our Short Courses are for adults 18+.
Course details
How you'll learn
This is a practical, hands-on workshop with a Master Bookbinder. You'll use traditional techniques to develop your own bound book, notebook or journal.
Tom O'Reilly - Course Leader
Tom O'Reilly is a highly experienced master bookbinder with over 30 years of expertise. He runs The Book Bindery in Cornwall, where he offers various services, including traditional and contemporary bookbinding, restoration, conservation and bespoke book creations.
Where you'll learn
The course takes place on our Penryn Campus. Further information will be provided to you before the start of the course.
There is plenty of parking available on the campus and you can also reach us via a range of public transport options. You can find out more by visiting our Penryn Campus page.
For campus maps and information on visiting us, please click the button below:
All equipment is provided for you. All you’ll need are comfortable clothes for workshop sessions.
Don’t forget to bring any food or snacks you’ll want with you – tea, coffee and water is included although some people like to bring their own water bottles.
Read our short course terms & conditions
How to apply
To apply for the Bookbinding course, make your selection from the available dates below, this will take you to an event page where you will be able to book yourself onto the course via the Book now link.
Tuition fees per individual:
- Introductory course (1 day): £150
- Improvers course (2 days): £275
Upcoming Bookbinding Short Courses
Sat 17 Jan 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - Jan 2026
In-person
Join us for a one day introduction to book binding with master book binder Tom O'Reilly Over the ...
Sat 14 Mar 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - March 2026
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course March 2026
Sat 11 Apr 2026
Saturdays 11 April & 18 Apr | £275
Bookbinding Improvers - April 2026
In-person
2-day Improvers book binding course with Tom O Reilly
Sat 09 May 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - May 2026
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course May 2026
Wed 24 Jun 2026
Wednesday evenings 24th June - 8th July
Intro to Book binding - evening classes summer 2026
In-person
Introduction to book binding 3-week evening course summer 2026
Wed 22 Jul 2026
Wednesday evenings 22nd Jul - 26th Aug | £275
Bookbinding Improvers - Evening classes summer 2026
In-person
A 6 week evening class for bookbinding improvers
If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.
Apart from our Short Courses for 14-17 Year Olds, all of our Short Courses are for adults 18+.
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