Kathy Abbott
I am very passionate about teaching and I try to pass on my enthusiasm for my subject, to all of my students.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
Students are taught to a professional standard, using conservation grade materials and ethics.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I teach by demonstration and one-to-one tuition.
What inspires your own work?I am a passionate reader. I respond to literature and poetry and I try to convey the spirit of the text that I’m binding, into my work.
Where can students see examples of your work?I exhibit annually at Flow gallery in London. I am a founder member of the group; Tomorrow’s Past, who make modern, conservation bindings for antiquarian books.
Where did you gain your training?I undertook a four year, bookbinding apprenticeship. I went on to gain a HND Bookbinding (Design), followed by a BA (Hons) Bookbinding degree. I have a City and Guilds teaching qualification.
What teaching experience have you had?I have been teaching for ten years, firstly at The Institute, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, and then for Shepherds Bookbinders Ltd. I currently teach at the City Literary Institute in London as well as all around the country, for the Society of Bookbinders.
Is your work in any public or private collections?Yes, it is in both private collections and also in the British Library collection.
Have you written any books/had articles published?Yes, I have written a book called Bookbinding: A step-by-step guide, which was published in January 2010. I have also written articles for The New Bookbinder; a Designer Bookbinders publication, The Bookbinder; a Society of Bookbinders publication and also for The Book Collector.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?Yes, I belong to the Designer Bookbinders, The Society of Bookbinders and the Institute of Conservation (ICON).