Bookbinding
Discover the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly.
Course overview
Learn the traditional craft of Bookbinding with master bookbinder Tom O'Reilly. Our bookbinding courses are designed to lead on from eachother, starting with the introduction to book binding which is suitable for all levels and focuses on all the foundational skills you'll need to bind a book in cloth. The second course moves on to teach more complex traditional leather binding, and the final course is a specialist book restoration day.
During each course you’ll explore the principles behind Bookbinding, discover the craft and leave with your very own bound book in cloth / leather / or a restored book depending on the course chosen. The introductory course can be accessed by beginners through to all levels and is a fantastic place to start. The leather binding course is suitable for those who have some experience already and want to spend time exploring more detailed bookbinding techniques. The book restoration course is suitable for those who have experience already and want to bring a book to restore on the course.
All materials and equipment are included in the price.
Tuition fees per individual:
- Introductory course (1 day): £150
- Leather binding course (1 day): £160
- Book restoration course (1 day): £160
See course dates below that are available to book.
Upcoming Bookbinding Short Courses
Thu 29 Oct 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - Oct 2026
In-person
Join us for a one day introduction to book binding with master book binder Tom O'ReillyOver the cour...
Sat 28 Nov 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Book Restoration - November 2026
In-person
A short 1-day course on book restoration
Mon 04 Jan 2027
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - Jan 2027
In-person
Introduction to book binding one day course January 2027
Thu 11 Feb 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Leather Bookbinding - February 2027
In-person
A 1-day short course on traditional leather bookbinding with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly
Tue 30 Mar 2027
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - March 2027
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course March 2027
Sat 24 Apr 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Book Restoration - April 2027
In-person
A short 1-day course on book restoration with Tom O Reilly
Fri 28 May 2027
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - May 2027
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course May 2027
Thu 01 Jul 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Leather Bookbinding - July 2027
In-person
A 1-day short course on traditional leather bookbinding with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly
Fri 30 Jul 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Book Restoration - July 2027
In-person
1-day book restoration course with Tom O Reilly
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
Each of these courses are practical, hands-on workshops with a Master Bookbinder. You'll use traditional techniques to develop (or restore) 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 bookbinding equipment and materials are provided on these courses. For the book restoration course you will need to bring a book (any size) with you that you'd like to restore. Please wear suitable clothes for workshop sessions.
Tea and coffee is included, you might like to bring your own water bottle. Please bring a packed lunch with you, or plan to visit one of our on-campus cafes.
Read our short course terms & conditions
How to apply
To book your space on these courses, make your selection from the available dates below. Each one 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
- Leather binding course (1 day): £160
- Book restoration course (1 day): £160
Upcoming Bookbinding Short Courses
Thu 29 Oct 2026
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - Oct 2026
In-person
Join us for a one day introduction to book binding with master book binder Tom O'ReillyOver the cour...
Sat 28 Nov 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Book Restoration - November 2026
In-person
A short 1-day course on book restoration
Mon 04 Jan 2027
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - Jan 2027
In-person
Introduction to book binding one day course January 2027
Thu 11 Feb 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Leather Bookbinding - February 2027
In-person
A 1-day short course on traditional leather bookbinding with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly
Tue 30 Mar 2027
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - March 2027
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course March 2027
Sat 24 Apr 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Book Restoration - April 2027
In-person
A short 1-day course on book restoration with Tom O Reilly
Fri 28 May 2027
10:00 - 16:00 | £150
Intro to Book binding - May 2027
In-person
Introduction to book binding 1 day course May 2027
Thu 01 Jul 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Leather Bookbinding - July 2027
In-person
A 1-day short course on traditional leather bookbinding with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly
Fri 30 Jul 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm | £160
Book Restoration - July 2027
In-person
1-day book restoration course with Tom O Reilly
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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