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

1 MARCH SATURDAY start 10:00

10:00 - 10:30 -- introduction of the tutor, introduction to photobook making, samples of handmade books

10:30 - 11:30 -- short introduction to the projects of each participant

11:30-12:30 -- Editing and visual narration introduction

12:30 - 13:30 – lunch break

13:30 - 17:30 – editing (group and individual)

2 MARCH SUNDAY start 10:00

10:00 - 11:30 -- stitching exercises

11:30 - 12:30 -- individual work on a book dummy

12:30 - 13:30 -- lunch break

13:30 - 15:00 -- individual work on a book dummy

15:00 - 16:00 -- 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