Chiara Medioli
Rags, Rabbit Skins and Invisible Watermarks
750 years of papermaking in Fabriano
Very few industries can boast of such an ancient tradition: Fabriano paper is undoubtedly an important part of the Italian cultural heritage. Twists and turns, unexpected discoveries and convoluted mysteries: the hero of this story may have no legs, but has nevertheless spent the last 750 years running across continents, crossing States, rivers and seas, its light body carrying the weight of the words of all humanity.
It is silent but it can sing, it can fly if it wants to, but it usually stays here on solid ground, always in our midst, and sometimes even changing the destiny of the world. It is paper, born in China but moving in 1264 to Fabriano, where it grew up, acquiring the features that to this day make it a unique and irreplaceable instrument of culture and communication.
You will find out about the history of paper in Fabriano, its secrets, its journeys, and some of the personalities who, from the thirteenth century onward, have used it to create immortal works and accomplish great deeds. You will also learn about the places where it grew up and spread its wings, and you will even learn how to make it at home. A read as engrossing as a fairy tale that offers some curious and lively discussions.
Paper lives, long live paper!
This book is also available in Italian.
isbn: 9788875704193
Curator: Chiara Medioli
Book design: Massimo Pitis
Languages: English (also available in Italian)
Binding: paperback stitched with flaps
Pages: 144
Width: 16,5
Height: 23,6
Edition: 2013