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Book Arts: Home

A guide to Book Arts resources for papermaking, printing & bookbinding

Book Arts at Wellesley

Welcome to Wellesley's Book Arts Program! Housed on the 4th floor of Clapp Library and Pendleton West, the Book Arts Program invites you to explore letterpress printing, papermaking, and bookbinding.

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What is Book Arts?

Book Arts at Wellesley is focused on introducing students to the art of bookmaking through historical and hands-on study. Students learn about every step of the book construction process, from making the paper to printing the text to binding it all together. Whether you're here to learn more about the history of bookmaking, specific techniques, or looking for a career in book arts, this guide is here to help!

Recent Programs

Students and faculty gather for Ruhlman Presentation in Book Arts Lab

Student Presentations

Book Arts students have a chance to present their own work as part of the Ruhlman and Tanner conferences

Phragmites Papermaking

Papermaking

Students in this class learned out to make paper from natural materials by harvesting phragmites on campus and turning it into pulp.

Card with text:

Letterpress

The Book Arts Lab often uses our letterpress printers to create materials for Wellesley College events and ceremonies.

student practicing coptic binding

Bookbinding

Students are welcome to explore bookbinding at the Book Arts Lab as part of a class or during our open hours, where Katherine and student employees can assist you.