Leaf and Ledger Oxford is a small workshop close to Turl Street where old volumes are studied, supported, and carefully brought back to sound use. We keep sessions calm and practical—simple stitches, light paper repairs, and straightforward care routines that suit beginners and keen collectors. Tools are introduced step by step so you can see how sewing, hinging, and casing-in fit together for a tidy result.
Read Our Story
Amelia Hart
Conservator
Amelia leads paper and sewing work. She explains grain direction, thread weights, and how small choices keep a spine flexible. Her notes help visitors judge when to stitch, hinge, or simply sleeve a leaf for safe handling.
Henry Cole
Bookbinder
Henry manages casing-in and light rebacking. He shows paste mixes, pressing setups, and careful tooling trials so students can see each stage before working on their own practice block.
Safiya Noor
Paper Care Lead
Safiya focuses on leaf repair and attachment. Expect clear notes on Japanese tissues, reversible adhesives, and how to balance strength with a page that still turns easily.
Owen Blake
Workshop Host
Owen welcomes each group, sets the pace, and keeps benches organised. He helps with safe knife work, press timing, and quick checks before you place a book under weight.
"Clear, steady teaching—I finally understand sewing on tapes." — Ruth
"Good balance of talk and practice. My family bible now opens comfortably." — Daniel
"Careful guidance with tissues and paste. The steps felt approachable." — Priya
"A calm afternoon with useful habits for storage and handling." — Owen
"Organised benches, kind feedback, and time to ask questions." — Marta
"I left with notes I can follow at home for light repairs." — Ahmed
"Exactly as described—measured pace and tidy setup." — Becca
"Seeing casing-in up close made everything click." — Lucas
Sewing on Tapes
from £28 / person
Learn a steady sewing pattern and simple spine lining. We cover grain, thread selection, and how to keep sections square without rushing the frame work.
Paper Repair Basics
from £24 / person
A careful start with reversible adhesives, hinge styles, and blotter use. Expect practical steps that support reading comfort and safe page turns.
Tooling Practice
from £22 / person
Try light blind and gold tooling on test boards. We use offcuts for trials before you attempt a small title panel or border line.
Cloth Reback Intro
from £26 / person
A measured approach to refreshing a worn spine on a reading copy. We look at lifting, lining, and setting, aiming for sound use and neat joints.
Storage & Care Hour
from £18 / person
Practical guidance on shelving, supports, and light handling. Useful for new collectors who want a simple routine that suits home libraries.
Which books are suitable for workshops?
We work with sound reading copies and practice blocks. Family heirlooms can be discussed, though delicate volumes may be better for assessment rather than class handling.
Do I need previous experience?
Beginners are welcome. We start with safe habits, tool handling, and short tasks. You can build confidence at your own pace with staff close by to help.
What should I bring to a session?
Bring a reading copy or use our practice blocks. Wear closed shoes and clothing suitable for paste and paper work. We provide tools and materials for the exercises.
Can you restore rare or fragile items during class?
Very fragile items are best booked for a separate assessment. In class we focus on methods you can safely repeat—observation first, then guided practice on suitable materials.