Bookbinding student Mitch Gundrum BB '21 is one who excels at learning how to make each component of something—in addition to his daily bookbinding and repair practice, he also makes paper and hand-shapes bookbinding tools. When NBSS program spaces closed in March, Mitch got got his hands dirty at home marbling and making paper, but also embraced research and academia. Explore more of his varied pursuits in this interview, part of our In the Making series.
Bookbinding
The two-year, comprehensive Bookbinding program teaches students how to make, restore, and preserve books and other printed treasures.
During the first year, you’ll learn the history and development of this traditional craft, as well as develop a host of necessary skills. You'll make a variety of historical and modern binding structures, boxes, and other protective enclosures. The repair of cloth and paper bindings will supplement your understanding of the way books function and break down.
Toward the end of the first year and throughout the second year you will create and repair leather bindings. During your second year, you'll have the opportunity to choose additional projects that reflect your personal career goals in conservation, fine binding, or other areas of the field. Additional learning takes place outside of the classroom — through exhibits, conferences, and field trips to binderies, historic collections, private studios, and conservation labs.
Questions?
Contact Rob O'Dwyer, Director of Admissions, at 617-227-0155 x111 or admissions@nbss.edu.
