Boston Leather Guild

Bookbinding with Sam Ellenport

Traditional bookbinding, demonstrated by master bookbinder Sam Ellenport.

Demonstrations of Traditional Bookbinding Techniques

Recorded in 2006, this film follows Sam Ellenport through cloth binding, leather covering, and finishing with gold. Watch from the beginning or go directly to a technique.

90 Minutes · 28 Chapters · Recorded in 2006

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Sam Ellenport looking toward the camera while teaching in his bookbinding workshop
Sam Ellenport demonstrating bookbinding, from the 2006 film.

Inside the Program

Cloth Binding

  • Sewing Signatures
  • Adding End Papers
  • Using the Nipping Press
  • Cutting Cardboard for the Cover
  • Making a Cloth Cover
  • Foil Stamping the Cloth Cover
  • Attaching the Cover to the Book

Leather Binding

  • Rounding the Spine
  • Lining the Book
  • Putting on a Hollow Back
  • Measuring for the Leather Cover
  • Cutting the Leather Cover
  • Using the Skiving Machine
  • Using the Skiving Knife
  • Creating the Leather Cover
  • Drying the Covered Book Under Weights

Finishing and Gold

  • Finishing the Leather Cover
  • Applying Paste-Wash
  • Marking the Spine
  • Marking the Cover
  • Applying Size
  • Laying Gold Leaf
  • Removing Excess Gold
  • Applying Text to the Spine

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This is a preserved standard-definition recording, presented in its original proportions. For playback help or a refund request, contact info@bostonleatherguild.com.