Iona Driftwood Binding Retreat
10 - 14 April 2027
An island escape, an immersive experience, creating a unique book bound with driftwood covers.
An elemental retreat, inspired by the landscape, history and light of Iona.
An opportunity for imaginative renewal and reflection, development and potential.
The Isle of Iona is where The Book of Kells was so beautifully illuminated. Draw on that legacy to bind a book that records your own particular response to this place.
Please note:
This is the only Iona workshop date in 2027.
Day 1
An island off an island off an island
Travel to the Isle of Iona, by train, ferry, bus or car. Information on connections provided!
Arrive on the island by the last ferry. You’ll be met at the pier and transported to the hotel (unless you’d like to take a ten minute stroll unburdened by luggage.)
You’re welcome to arrive early on Iona, drop your bags at the hotel and have some hours to yourself.
Gather at six thirty for our first meal together, full of conversation and anticipation.
Day 2
Techniques
Meet at the hall and get acquainted with our studio space.
Begin with introductions – to techniques and to each other. Pick a place at the workshop tables and settle in to a concentrated day of bookbinding skills. Learn many ways of folding, stitching and binding in steady step-by-step projects, with some free-style loosening exercises to personalise your work.
By lunchtime you’ll have bound a range of book structures.
Explore the various foody options nearby.
The afternoon will focus on the Coptic stitch, creating a small example to practice the binding, ahead of working with driftwood covers.
Formal instruction will finish around four, for you to make the most of the island – shell collecting, exploring the coast or visiting the abbey.
Dine together at the hotel.
Day 3
Creating
An earlier start this morning! After breakfast, we’ll head to the North End, leaving the hotel at 9am, to choose a piece of driftwood (or boat plank) from the selection laid out in the barn. I’ll show you how to mark where the wood will be divided in half, and the best position for holes, ready for stitching later.
Under your direction, John (my Iona Man) will saw covers and drill holes to form a unique front and back cover. Bring something to draw on, and something to write with, so that you can make notes or sketches while you’re waiting.
Back to the hall to discuss next steps. Take an hour for lunch, as yesterday.
The rest of the day is devoted to preparing unique pages for your book. You’ll be advised how to cut paper down to size and given optional content prompts. Get inky, build up atmospheric surfaces and gather visual inspiration together.
Time for a walk, or visit the Iona Craft Shop, Oran or Aosdana for some possible retail therapy.
Film night! Enjoy a black and white cinema classic after dinner.
Day 4
Binding
Today is all about continuing to fill the pages with your text and texture, print and paint. Our tables might end up completely covered with work-in-progress! Collate each section of folded papers, so that they are in the right order and the right way up.
After an early lunch of your choice, the final sewing will begin. The driftwood covers will be bound to your collection of sections. There may be time to add more detail to the pages now.
Share your group creations at a celebratory show-and-tell tea party.
Round off the day, and our time together, with a well-deserved evening of eating and making merry.
Day 5
Farewell
Depart after breakfast, with your driftwood binding carefully packed, alongside shells and ideas.
Maybe take a few minutes on the beach before you go.
Please Note
Each day starts at 10am and finishes at about 4pm. Arrive on Iona Saturday evening (last ferry is six pm) and depart after breakfast on Wednesday morning.
Accommodation is provided by the St Columba Hotel on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. All the rooms we have reserved are ensuite and have a sea view. There is one twin room for sharing participants (saving £95 per person) – come with a friend! The rooms are reached by stairs, so are not fully accessible, sorry.
Our ‘studio’ is at the Iona Island Hall, five minutes by foot from the hotel – please be prepared to walk in all weathers. We’ll pause for teas, coffees and snacks at ‘Elevenses’ and again mid-afternoon.
Lunch breaks are personal time; there are a variety of places nearby to purchase food; The Rookery, Martyr’s Bay, The Argyll Hotel, The Larder or pick up the makings of a picnic at the Spar.
Please note that this workshop is not suitable for non-participating partners.
You are welcome to bring along a flat pieces of driftwood found on another beach!
Itineraries are prospective and could be subject to change.
This course can be purchased as a gift. Please let us know the recipient’s details in the ‘additional information’ box at check out.
Please read the Terms and Conditions before booking and e-mail hello@thetravellingbookbinder.com with any queries.