cbl-Newsletter 1/2024

Dive into the world of suminagashi with Bastien Conus (www.suminagashi.ch / @bababathings).

Suminagashi (墨流し- "flowing ink") is the precursor of all marbled paper practices. After a historical and technical introduction, you will have the opportunity to experiment with different inks and paper types in exchange with others and your own curiosity. In all likelihood, you will also make your own discoveries. In a tub, the ink will be applied to the water surface and then transferred to the paper from which magical creative moments emanate, inviting contemplation and letting go.
At the end of this class, you will take home your very own creation.

There are basically two types of commercial paperback bindings: those where the back folds of the sections have been sliced off and then the spine is glued up with a layer of adhesive; or the more up-market type that retains sewn sections but is still lathered with a thick layer of glue. Both have flat backs and a paper cover attached directly onto the spine.
With un-sewn paperbacks the glue eventually breaks down and the pages begin to fall out. The spines also become concave. Sewn paperbacks are hardier but still become concave. The methods here don’t attempt to remedy either of these problems but the provision of a hollow will disguise the misshapen spine and give a more secure cover attachment. In the case of sewn paperbacks this method gives them a whole new lease on life.
All the variations have two-ply covers to make them more robust; the two layers also provide a multitude of design opportunities. The covers are glued directly on to a hollow that is formed from the endpapers. The hollow/cover combinations vary and depend on whether the text-block is composed of glued single sheets or sewn sections.
The cover paper should be something of substantial weight and robust and in this class we will use Zaansch bord. Using Fraynot as a liner in the hollow helps reinforce the joints and the stitching. The paper covers can be as plain or elaborate as you wish – but keep in mind that the nature of the original text-block, a paperback, does not merit too much blood, sweat or tears. This method is meant to be a relatively quick and attractive way to prop up old favourites.

Editorial:     Katharina Meier
Translation: Bea Corti