ARTISANS FOR A DAY

Delve into Florentine craft traditions on this hands-on family-friendly workshop. Under the guidance of an expert artisan, adults and children will learn how to create marbled paper and bind their very own notebook.

The age-old technique of paper-making originated in China as far back as the 2nd century BC and made its way to the West through the Silk Route in the Middle Ages. The Arabs are credited with having introduced the art to Spain from where it spread first to Sicily and later to mainland Italy around the 13th century.

The beginnings of paper marbling are still somewhat of a mystery. Some believe it was first invented in Japan where the tradition of Suminagashi meaning “floating ink” began in the 1100s. Whatever the true story, paper marbling was known in Europe in the 1600s and Florentine bookbinders became particularly sought-after for their artistry. Little has changed since then and today Florence is proud to be one of the very few places where artisans still produce hand-marbled paper.

Your private assistant will meet you at your accommodation and accompany you to a historical paper shop located in the vibrant Oltrarno district. Repository of the city’s age-old traditions and manufacturing heritage, this neighbourhood is home to family-run botteghe where all sorts of masterly hand-crafted wonders are still produced by using techniques passed down through generations, including musical instruments, leather goods, jewellery, pottery and mosaics.

Founded in 1856 as a bookbinder, the bottega you will visit began practising the art of paper marbling in the early 20th century. After six generations the owners are still highly regarded and number among the greatest masters in the field. On display you will see an array of lovingly crafted paper and leather-covered items such as albums, journals, boxes, phone cases and stationery.

Participants will enjoy an introduction to the art of marbling followed by a technical demonstration, then have fun experimenting with their own marbled paper. As you will have the chance to discover, part of the appeal of paper marbling is that each piece is unique. By floating colour on an aqueous surface and then carefully transferring the marble-like pattern on to absorbent paper, you will produce a unique work of art and feel the excitement of mastering a technique that dates back centuries. A personalised notebook bound with your own paper creation will be the cherished souvenir of a memorable day as a craftsperson.