A Magic Secret Bookart

In this masterclass you will have a unique opportunity to learn how to make your own ‘vanishing’ book painting.

Fore edge painting is a British bookart practiced for centuries by a few binders and artists. These curious secret paintings are hidden under the gilded page edges in such a way that they can only be seen by fanning the book. Martin is currently the only practitioner offering workshops and, having created 3500 examples, will show the technique he has used for the last 44 year. The craft has been declared as ‘critically endangered’ by the British Heritage Crafts Association who awarded Martin ‘Maker of the Year’ for 2017. Examples of this rare book art will be on display during the masterclass.

Students will be shown the correct way to prepare the book and materials, plan the image, apply the paint and finally wipe the edge to enable the painting to magically vanish. Students need to be able to handle small brushes but not necessarily be accomplished artists.

Materials students should bring:

Watercolour paints and a selection of brushes (sizes 4-8), mixing plate, small water pot, pencil, ruler, sheets of A4 paper, and some ideas as to their preferred image (the fanned edge is a slim 4:1 format).

Materials supplied:

A5 gilt-edged blank books and an 8 page manual (worth €35) are supplied, and included in the price of the masterclass.

This masterclass lasts from 11 am to 6 pm, there will be a one hour lunch break. Maximum number of participants is ten.