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Isabelle McGowan
Florence-trained Bookbinder now based in Sydney with over 10 years teaching experience
4.9 (27)Make Books!
Isabelle McGowan is a Florence-trained Bookbinder working through her Bindery, the Owl & Lion. She specialises in Historical Repair and Restoration of Books, Fine Bindings and Traditional Gold Finishing.
Isabelle completed her Fine Arts Degree (Drawing and Painting, Printmaking) at the Edinburgh College of Art, in Scotland. She went on to train as a Bookbinder in Florence, Italy.
The original Owl and Lion Bindery was situated in Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland.
In late 2017, Isabelle and the Owl and Lion Bindery relocated to Sydney, Australia.
Visit the Owl and Lion Bindery - we are a vibrant bindery based in the heart of Sydney.
We run the largest programme of bookbinding classes in Australia. If you want to learn to make books that folds, flaps and flips, or traditional books from scratch, we are the place to be!
This year we have programmed a series of exciting online workshops, with all things relating to the craft of bookbinding. Whether you want to expand on your crafting skills or start your bookbinding journey, we have something for you.
The Owl & Lion is now based in Sydney, Australia.
WE ARE LOCATED AT:
Suite 6.05
Precinct 75
75 Mary Street, St Peters
Classes
Gallery
Reviews
(27)
Summer Woods • May 2022
Make Your Own Traditional Art Portfolio
Very happy with my art portfolio. Teacher was really helpful during the whole process. Loved using all the different materials
Emily H • Apr 2022
25 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
DIY Journal Making: Traditional Hard-cover Book
I am blown away by the results from this class! Easy to follow along with concise instructions from Isabelle making things go so smoothly. The pictures speak for themselves and even as a one off class you’ll be glad you did it!
Chris Johnson • Feb 2022
DIY Journal Making: Traditional Hard-cover Book
Isabelle provided a box of times all delivered in time for the online Zoom. Her instructions were clear and her two camera presentation allowed for clear visual understanding of techniques required. Completed the construction of a book in the time given and exceedingly proud of result.
Tanya Leigh • Dec 2021
Loved this class, the teacher was lovely and knowledgeable, really fun. I have some gorgeous Christmas decorations now.
Patricia Jungfer • Oct 2021
3 ClassBento workshops attended
Fun class, with a good amount of interaction, Isobelle was fabulous in answering all questions. She was very generous with her help.
Cassandra Williams • Sep 2021
Isablle was incredibly kind and patient, guiding us all through the process of making our books. She made sure we could see clearly what she was demonstrating and repeated steps to make sure no one got lost. Thankyou for a fantastic class - I can't wait to make more books!
Corrina-Leigh Forster • Sep 2021
Isabelle is a fantastic instructor and her work is flawless! 100% recommend and I have book more classes!
Alice Young • Apr 2021
Bookbinding Class for Beginners
I couldn’t have loved this class more! Isabelle is an amazing teacher - knowledgeable and patient. I love her back story too - all contributing to the experience she shares - her time training in Italy and Scotland and building her business with national institutions in the UK. Can highly recommend this class.
Tegan Webb • Mar 2020
15 ClassBento workshops attended • 16 reviews
Bookbinding Class for Beginners
Amazing two day course! Very fast paced and comprehensive, with not group and individual instruction. Awesome new studio location. Isabelle really knows her stuff! Highly recommend.
Book with Isabelle McGowan online. You'll be covered by ClassBento's exclusive money-back satisfaction guarantee and our loyalty program bonus.
If you need a customised class (e.g. for a larger group or a special event), we can make it happen.
Book for yourself or get as a gift.
