Creative Bookbinding and Artists’ Books with Manuel
Discover the art of storytelling through handmade books with award-winning bookbinder and designer Manuel. Learn to translate your ideas into paper, type, and print as you explore a range of binding and book-making techniques to bring your own artist book to life. Beyond the studio, visit world-class museums, uncover hidden galleries, and discover a part of London that travelers rarely see.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $3090
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $1020
Meet the Artist
Manuel is an award-winning bookbinder, designer, and trained engineer with over 15 years of experience. Originally from Italy, he discovered a love for paper while studying engineering and renewable energy—a path that led him to industrial design and, ultimately, bookbinding. A passionate collector of rare books, he trained with master artisans across Europe and now works from his London studio, blending traditional techniques with modern design and storytelling.
Influenced by his background in engineering, Manuel enjoys experimenting with materials such as paper, linen, wood, metal and sustainable options like mycelium. He creates limited edition books, prints, prototypes, and presentation boxes that explore how form, weight, and memory can shape our experience of a book. His process often involves deconstructing and rebuilding books into sculptural forms—works that blur the line between object and story and have been recognized for their craftsmanship and originality.
When he’s not in the studio, Manuel is often hunting for treasures in secondhand bookstores. Teaching is a natural extension of his practice—he invites you into his world through the quiet rhythm of stitching, the scent of paper, and the joy of learning by hand.
Influenced by his background in engineering, Manuel enjoys experimenting with materials such as paper, linen, wood, metal and sustainable options like mycelium. He creates limited edition books, prints, prototypes, and presentation boxes that explore how form, weight, and memory can shape our experience of a book. His process often involves deconstructing and rebuilding books into sculptural forms—works that blur the line between object and story and have been recognized for their craftsmanship and originality.
When he’s not in the studio, Manuel is often hunting for treasures in secondhand bookstores. Teaching is a natural extension of his practice—he invites you into his world through the quiet rhythm of stitching, the scent of paper, and the joy of learning by hand.
VAWAA Includes:
- Translate a personal idea into the framework of a limited-edition artist book.
- Balance conceptual development with hands-on experimentation to gain a deeper understanding of how artist books are made.
- Explore a variety of bookbinding structures, materials, and printing techniques, understanding how each artistic choice shapes form and content.
- Evaluate and select techniques best suited to your creative vision, including concertinas, sewn bindings, foil blocking, and digital production. Additional costs may apply for specialist processes like foil blocking, external printing, or premium materials such as Japanese or handmade papers and leather.
- Develop a clear creative direction, a strong conceptual foundation, and practical knowledge of the steps needed to advance your project.
- Visit the London Centre for Book Arts and Shepherds Inc. Fine Papers shop.
- Time permitting, visit the Tate Modern or Tate Britain for artistic inspiration.
Explore London
London is a sprawling creative metropolis full of landmarks and hidden corners—graffiti-filled tunnels, underground theaters, and former industrial neighborhoods transformed into studios and galleries. Manuel’s studio is located in East London, in a neighborhood with deep roots in printing and craft. Once home to some of Britain’s most influential printmakers and type foundries, the area still carries the spirit of creative production.
Nearby, artist-run spaces and print studios offer access to presses and bookbinding equipment, supporting a vibrant community of artists, designers, and makers. Rooted in the city’s printing legacy yet alive with contemporary energy, it’s the perfect place to explore the craft of bookbinding—and experience a side of London most travelers never see.
Nearby, artist-run spaces and print studios offer access to presses and bookbinding equipment, supporting a vibrant community of artists, designers, and makers. Rooted in the city’s printing legacy yet alive with contemporary energy, it’s the perfect place to explore the craft of bookbinding—and experience a side of London most travelers never see.
Additional Details
London is enjoyable to visit year-round, but summers are especially pleasant. It’s best to avoid December, when the days are short and rain is frequent.
This VAWAA cannot be extended for longer durations.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the session cannot be adapted for people with accessibility or special needs.
Manuel speaks English and Italian.
This VAWAA cannot be extended for longer durations.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the session cannot be adapted for people with accessibility or special needs.
Manuel speaks English and Italian.