The art of paper making

Ancient hand-made paper tradition in Toscolano Maderno

The experience

Filippo fervently recounts the recent history of his company, which, having recovered the secrets of the ancient art of handmade paper, proposes itself to a market of enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Toscolano Paper has breathed new life into a workshop that produces, on a daily basis, single sheets of paper from pure or recycled vegetable fibres. An unparalleled elegance that can be immediately appreciated and which, at the workshop, can be practised under the careful guidance of Filippo. A discovery that takes you back to the 14th century, when the towns of Toscolano and Maderno, and the entire valley, were dotted with paper mills that took advantage of the mild climate – essential for drying the sheets – and the abundance of water guaranteed by the Toscolano stream. Papermakers who found their primary customer in the Serenissima Republic of San Marco in the 16th century.

Master papermakers too for a few hours, proud to have created the progenitor of communication tools: the sheet of paper. Wonderful!

Aimed at

Adults passionate about beauty and traditions who want to learn and experience the art of paper making. Creative people, artists, painters, high-end publishers. Families.

What to bring

The tools, apron and everything needed will be provided and is included in the price.

What you bring home

The enthusiasm and professionalism of young paper maker masters, the beauty and sophistication of the sheet of paper, paper made by hand by you – from framing to drying – with ink printing using an early 20th century moveable type printer.

Also visit…

Paper Mill Valley with the Paper Museum (guided tours available). This visit is essential to fully understand the development of paper making through the centuries and the impact that paper production had (and still has in industrial manufacturing) on this region.