Number of participants: max 9
Cost: £210
OCTOBER 10
PHOTOBOOKCAFE
4 Leonard Circus, London, EC2A 4DQ
The aim of this 1 day intensive studio workshop is to explore ideas about photobooks and create draft of handmade photobook dummy. We will be focusing on the following aspects of book making: sequencing, designing, bookbinding.
FAQs
About the workshop
This is an all-analogue workshop; no knowledge of editing programs is necessary.
We will concentrate on the following aspects of bookmaking: theory of editing, editing combined with exercises, designing the layout of a dummy, introduction to bookbinding, sawing exercises, introduction to papers, designing the cover, introduction to printing techniques, and introduction to publishing.
Participants are required to bring a set of images in 3 different sizes, which will be used for editing as well as developing a dummy. Participants will be asked to bring their own tools.
Minimum of 6; maximum of 10 people.
Aimed at: photographers with projects developed that they want to turn into book dummy, artists intending to turn their work into the form of a book; and those who wish to create an artist's book as a medium of expression.
Participants are required to send by email about 30–40 pictures as well as text describing their project. Before the workshop, the project will be discussed to find the best design solution for developing it later. The aim is that each participant will finish the workshop with a physical draft dummy that could be developed further. We will also cover some technical aspects of making books with practical exercises.
Detailed schedule
OCTOBER 10, SATURDAY start 10:00
10:00 - 10:30 -- introduction of the tutor, introduction to photobook making, samples of handmade books
10:30 - 11:00 -- short introduction to the projects of each participant
11:00-13:00 -- Editing and visual narration introduction
13:00 - 13:300 – lunch break
13:30 - 14:30 -- intro to binding/stitching exercise
14:30 - 15:00 – intro to layout designing
15:00 - 17:00 -- individual work on a book dummy
17:00 - 18:00 -- final presentation of each person
Testimonials:
"The workshops Tomasz runs are truly enlightening. They are that rare combination of practice, theory, and something else I'd name intuition, but which sometimes feels almost mystical. He gives time and emotional energy to each project, and helps the artist at whatever level to think and rethink their images in the context of visual narration and as part of the material process of making something, stitching and sticking and cropping. On occasion to even enter the rare rhythm of a fluent visual storyteller - a quality which he personally always seems to possess. Tomasz's processes are both intellectual and physical, and the outcomes I witnessed were always inspiring: suggestive of more thoughtful future works to come. Tomasz makes us look at the book, and the art book, in new ways. An exciting and fulfilling exercise."
Robin Hunt -- participant of 2023 workshop organised by Photobookcafe London
“This workshop with Tomasz allowed me to really put a new work in motion – his generous and precise insight brought a fresh dynamic as well as a new formal approach to the pictures. Since, the project has been shown in two exhibitions and has received a grant to produce the book!”
Matilda Holloway -- participant of 2019 workshop organised by Espace Saint-Cyprien Toulouse 2020
“This is exactly what I expected as a workshop, constructive with a listening group, and a first book’s draft Tomasz understands right now and pays attention to everyone. He's full of ideas and knows how to give each one of the tips that match his project perfectly, with a great organization. Thank you. It was great.”
Daniele Boucon -- participant of 2019 workshop organised by Espace Saint-Cyprien Toulouse 2022
List of things to bring:
-- set of aprox 30-40 images in 3 sizes:
(i) A5 (aprox. 148 x 210mm) ,
(ii) A6 (aprox. 105 x 148mm), and
(iii) A7 (aprox. 74 x 105mm) –
We will use them for editing and to test your dummy's structure, so please don't bring expensive printouts. Even basic laser printing on budget paper might be used for these. We also experiment with different sizes of images. We will select approximately 15-20 images for the final dummy. Later, you will be able to build your book around this restricted selection.
-- scissors
-- pencil
-- cutter
-- metal ruler (30–50 cm)
-- cutting mat
-- fast drying glue
-- double sided tape
-- bone folder
-- tread and needles
– low-cost A4 paper
-- paper for the cover
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund for cancellations made three weeks before the workshop.
No refunds for cancellations within three weeks of the workshop.
Registration transfer to a waitlisted person possible up to one week before the workshop.
Workshop cancellation by us entitles you to a full refund.
Workshop fee non-transferable to other services or workshops.
Registration implies agreement with this policy.
Contact us for questions or clarifications.
About the tutor
Tomasz Laczny is a Polish-British visual artist and photobook maker whose practice focuses on visual storytelling through artist's books. His book Erna Helena Ania is held in the MoMA Library collection in New York. Alongside his own artistic practice, he collaborates with artists on editing, sequencing and book design.
Tomasz is an Associate Lecturer at the University of the Arts London and has led photobook workshops internationally. His teaching combines critical discussion with hands-on making, helping artists develop a clear visual narrative and transform a body of work into a coherent photobook.
About Photobookcafe
We are a Community Cafe, Gallery & PhotoBook Library based on Leonard Circus in Shoreditch, London. Established in 2019 by Rapid Eye Darkroom, PBC was built on a passion for photo books and traditional darkroom practice, as well as a love of food and drink.
