PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKMAKING & DARKROOM PRINTING WORKSHOP with Matt Martin (TONER, Penzance)

Join photographer and bookmaker Matt Martin for a full-day, hands-on workshop combining bookmaking and darkroom printing at Contact Darkroom in Totnes.

You’ll design and construct your own 8x10” artist book bound using a French link stitch and finished with a hard cover. Then you will handprint 40 black and white or single colour contact printed photographs created through laser printed acetates & contact printing.

By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a complete handmade photobook — from design and structure to printed imagery and final assembly.

Schedule

10 – 10.30 AM — Welcome & Introductions
Meet Matt Martin/Contact and fellow participants. Overview of materials and process. View sample artist books for inspiration.

10– 12 PM — Book Design & Structure
Learn about sequencing and layout for a 40-page 8x10” book.
Demonstration of French link stitch binding and hardcover construction.
Begin preparing, folding, and cutting pages.

Binding & Cover Construction

Stitch the book block, attach hardcovers, and finish with spine reinforcement and trimming.

12 – 1 PM — Lunch Break
Bring your own lunch or explore nearby cafés.

1 -  2pm— Image Selection & File Preparation

Select your 40 digital photographs, prepare files for acetate printing, and review tonal balance for darkroom printing.

2 – 3 PM — Printing & Cutting
Print four images per acetate sheet in black and white.
Cut and trim prints to size. Discuss sequencing and visual rhythm.

3 - 4 PM — Assembling Your Artist Book
Insert prints using photo corners, refine sequencing, and complete finishing touches.

4 - 5 PM — Group Sharing & Wrap-Up
Share completed books, group discussion, and Q&A with Matt Martin.
Talk about next steps: editioning, exhibiting, and future printing options.

What’s Included

• All bookbinding materials (paper, board, thread, tools)
• Acetate sheets & photo corners
• Access to Contact’s darkroom & printing facilities
• Black and White paper (11 Sheets included) Colour paper (6 Sheets included) £1 per sheet after.

What to Bring

• USB or laptop with 40 digital photographs (This might be pre printed)
• Notebook/sketchbook for planning