Students in a square on campus

Bookbinding

Discover the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'Reilly.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus

Course overview

Receive a unique introduction to the craft of Bookbinding with master bookbinder Tom O'Reilly. Our evening courses run across three weeks or you can choose to attend one-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.  This course can be accessed by beginners through to all levels.

All materials and equipment are included in the price (additional cost of £10 for those choosing to work in leather).

Tuition fees per individual: £150

How to apply

See course dates below that are available to book.

Upcoming Bookbinding Short Courses

Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Sat 01 Feb 2025

10.00-16.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | February 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | February 2025
Penryn Campus

Wed 05 Mar 2025

Wednesday 5th, 12th and 19th March, 18.00 - 20.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings March 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings March 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Sat 05 Apr 2025

10.00 - 16.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | April 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | April 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Wed 07 May 2025

Wednesday 7th, 14th and 21st May, 18.00-20.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings May 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings May 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Sat 07 Jun 2025

10.00 - 16.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | June 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | June 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Wed 02 Jul 2025

Wednesday 2nd, 9th and 16th July, 18.00-20.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings July 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings July 2025

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.​ 

Bookbinding

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: 

How to find us

​​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. ​ 

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.

Upcoming Bookbinding Short Courses

Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Sat 01 Feb 2025

10.00-16.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | February 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | February 2025
Penryn Campus

Wed 05 Mar 2025

Wednesday 5th, 12th and 19th March, 18.00 - 20.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings March 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings March 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Sat 05 Apr 2025

10.00 - 16.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | April 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | April 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Wed 07 May 2025

Wednesday 7th, 14th and 21st May, 18.00-20.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings May 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings May 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Sat 07 Jun 2025

10.00 - 16.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | June 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | June 2025
Bookbinder Tom O'Reilly doing Bookbinding
Bookbinding

Wed 02 Jul 2025

Wednesday 2nd, 9th and 16th July, 18.00-20.00

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings July 2025

In-person

A short course on discovering the practices of a time-honoured craft with renowned bookbinder Tom O'...

Short Course: Bookbinding | Wednesday evenings July 2025

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