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Bookbinding, Paper Marbling and Paste Paper Workshop

26 June 2019 - 6 July 2019

Paste paper, marbling and bookbinding workshop in Turin, Italy. Bottega Fagnola in collaboration with TEC

Bookbinding and Decorative Paper
Learning about the traditional techniques

29th June – 6th July 2019
Collegio San Giuseppe, Turin, Italy

TEC in collaboration with Paola Fagnola presents a course concerning decorative papermaking (marbled and paste papers) and bookbinding. Focusing on he traditional skills and techniques of Bookbinding and Decorative Paper making, it will consists in hands-on preparation of materials including decorated papers and paper bindings, based on historical models; also the preparation of the specific tools and materials (ex: combs, pigments and colours); and understanding of the processes involved in these productions. All levels of practitioners are welcome

Workshop program

Paper Marbling and Paste Papers

In the first part of the workshop participants will be led through the traditional processes of creating decorated and marbled papers: various historical patterns for marbled papers (spotted, combed, waved, curl, peacock etc.), and for paste and decorated papers (sprinkled, stained etc.) using both fingers and tools.

Historical recipes and colour preparation, and how to replicate them with modern materials when necessary, will be explained during the workshop.

Each participant will have the chance to create samples for each technique and learn how to make variations on tools, materials and patterns.

Paste Paper
Paste paper has been used in bookbinding for over 400 years, where it has been used as both endsheets and to cover books. Early paste papers were made in Italy, France and especially Germany in 16th century with mono-coloured rice paste, the most common colours being indigo and burn sienna. The Moravians from Hernnhut (East Saxony, Germany), who were well known for their paste papers, emigrated to the USA in 1740s and popularised the process of Paste Paper in North America. Paste paper was often made directly by the bookbinders, as paste being an adhesive that is used widely in the field. Decorated papers can be created by applying paste paint to a sheet of paper with a brush or sponge. Directly after the application of the paint, a decoration can be added with stamps or other tools, sometimes even with fingers. As long as the paste paint remains wet, all sorts of patterns and designs can be created. As paste paper is quite easy to create without many tools it is still commonly used as an artistic technique. It is also still used in bookbinding, with modern patterns, and with a greater range of colours and materials.
Paper Marbling
Paper marbling is a technique of using colours floated on water to produce patterns like those found in marble and other kinds of stone. Inks or paints are floated on either water or a viscous solution and then transferred to the paper. The earliest examples of paper marbling originate from Japan in the 10th Century, where the traditional practices of using sumi ink on a water base (suminagoashi), which it is still used today. It is commonly held that the tradition of paper marbling entered Europe around the 17th century from Turkey where the technique is known as Ebru. Paper Marbling has been widely used through Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America not only to embellish endsheets and paper for the book covers, but also to decorate book edges, stationery, and as a writing surface for calligraphy. In 1853 Charles Woolnogh published ‘The Art of Marbling’ which popularised the technique. Today the process of paper marbling is also used and explored as a decorating and artistic technique on three-dimensional surfaces, on fabrics, as well as the more traditional paper, and has also been combined with other mediums such as varnishes and lacquers.

Bookbinding

The second part of the course will be dedicated to bookbinding: using some of the paper participants have created, we will look at several paper bindings models (pamphlets, wrappers, limp bindings or rigid paper cases etc.) and together we will replicate some of these techniques.

Paper binding
Paper binding spread widely throughout Europe between the 15th and 19th centuries. The technique was not only used by bookbinders, but also by publishers, printers, booksellers, librarians and private collectors. The results of the binding process have helped preserve in excellent condition many rare and ancient books, folios and other treasures. Due to the resistance and longevity of paper binding techniques conservators have been studying the processes in search of models for their rebinding work, that either use minimal amounts of adhesive or none at all. We will be looking at methods and techniques like wrappers, cased bindings, rigid, and flexible bindings, with both decorated or stiff paper on the cover. These structures are very simple and can nowadays be easily replicated with tools and materials available from local retailers.

Participants who are staying with TEC during the workshop will be staying on-site at the Collegio San Giuseppe in either single or twin bed on-suite rooms. Rooms include breakfast, and the workshop will include lunch at the Collegio.

In the evening you will be able to explore more of the city.

TEC

As a young, dynamic and flexible organization, TEC offers challenging educational and experiential tourism opportunities through its many programs and links to the many local resources.
All its educational programs are deeply connected to the local culture contributing to its growth through their students academic projects.

Thanks to their partnerships and collaborations, TEC provides excellent facilities, inspirational instructional expertise, as well as a superior professionalism in a highly stimulating environment.

Collegio San Giuseppe

TEC is pleased to have a very close relationship with the Collegio San Giuseppe, and we are pleased to work closely with the college on a number of different activities.

The Collegio is in a magnificent location in the beating heart of the city. Just a short walk from the main station (Torino Porta Nuova) and the many shops, restaurants and bars, museums and palaces that make up this wonderful city.

Sign-up

We are limited to 15 places, once these are filled we will open a waiting list.

Workshop Fees

The standard Package: 1400€ per person

  • Seven nights of bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the Collegio San Giuseppe, in a single on-suite room.
  • Guided Tour of Torino
  • Six days of workshops with the resident tutor
  • All art materials required for the course (including all recipe instructions, diagrams on executive techniques, and bibliography references)
  • Six Lunches
  • All entrances to museums included as part of the course
  • Additional help with evening activities

Deadline to book: 30th May 2019

I’m interested!

Details

Start:
26 June 2019
End:
6 July 2019

Venue

Collegio San Giuseppe
Torino, Italy

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