Book Arts

Subject description

Book Arts is a general term which covers areas such as bookbinding, book productions and design and book conservation. These areas are separate from publishing which is more to do with the content of a book rather than how it looks.

Book design and production are now recognised as creative processes especially with the advent of new design technology and printing methods. The conservation of books and other printed materials is becoming more and more important as they are a part of our cultural heritage and should be preserved.

There are a variety of book arts-related courses available ranging from college certificates to Honours degrees and the subjects studied vary from institution to institution. There also some professional qualifications recognised and recommended by The Society of Bookbinders,Designer Bookbinders and  Preservation Advisory Centre.

Example areas of study

The courses in book arts vary in their content and level of qualification. It is important that you check with the institution to which you wish to apply to see the full details of their courses. This list is just to give you an idea of the sort of things that you may study on a book arts course.

• Book design and production
• Bookbinding
• Historical book design
• Modern book design
• Book illustration
• Typography and print
• Graphic design
• Book repair skills
• Finishing and blocking techniques
• Edge decoration
• Book conservation

Some career possibilities

With a qualification in a book arts-related subject you may be able to pursue a career in publishing, book production, design, bookbinding, library and archive-related areas, museums or printing. Postgraduate study is also available in areas such as book design history, book arts, book illustration and the conservation and restoration of books and library materials.

What do I need to get on a course?

You will need to check with the institutions that you wish to apply to for the full entry requirements as these will depend on the type and level of the course that you wish to study.

• UCAS Tariff: 160 - 200 points for degree-level courses
• A-levels: CC or above including an art-related subject
• Art foundation course
• Relevant Access course
• Work experience may be required for the professional courses
• European and International Baccalaureates may also be accepted but it is advisable to check the amount of points required with the institutions themselves.

For your application or interview, evidence of the following could be useful:

• A keen interest in books and their design and preservation
• Creativity
• Some previous experience of designing, producing or conserving printed materials
• Further information may be available from The Society of Bookbinders, Designer Bookbinders and  Preservation Advisory Centre.

To find out more about the typical subjects you will study, potential career paths and further information useful for your application log-on to Course Discover at www.coursediscoveronline.co.uk*

*NB: Your school or college will need a subscription to Course Discover in order for you to gain access, for further information go to:www.coursediscover.co.uk