cbl-Newsletter 6/2025
How It All Began – A Look Back at the Origins of the centro del bel libro in Ascona
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It was Josef Stemmle who, sixty years ago, founded the “Legatoria artistica” in Ascona. A visionary who valued the beauty of books and wanted to bring this appreciation closer to a wider public. He deliberately chose Ascona - already a world-renowned holiday destination at the time - for his idea. The southern charm of the Canton of Ticino made visitors receptive to new impressions. Alongside the “Legatoria artistica”, the “Galleria del bel libro” was created, and these two areas were complemented by a paper workshop. In 1968, Josef Stemmle established the School for the Advanced Training of Bookbinders above the gallery. This marked the birth of the centro del bel libro. The combination of bookbinding, papermaking, gallery, and school was unique worldwide! |
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Picture 1: 1969 - Legatoria Artistica |
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After Josef Stemmle had to part ways with the centro del bel libro in 1978 for economic reasons, the Association of Swiss Bookbinding Companies (VBS) stepped in and continued to run the specialized school as a tool for high-level professional development. To provide broader support for the institution, the centro del bel libro Association was founded, bringing together a wide base of friends and patrons of beautiful books. Further information about the history of the cbl can be found via this link on our homepage: Before we celebrate the 60th anniversary of its founding in 2028 with a jubilee program, we are pleased to recall that Josef Stemmle’s main concern was the continuing education of bookbinders! And because the centro del bel libro serves as a platform for a diverse course program, we are happy to draw your attention to the upcoming courses. There are still spots available for last-minute participants! |
| No. 28 |
Adhesive-free bindings with magnetic closures
Course location Ascona
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In this course, we will delve into the creative possibilities of adhesive-free bindings. |
| Instructor: | Nadine Werner |
| Date: | From Monday, 6th October until Thursday, 9th October 2025 |
| Duration: | 4 days, Friday until 12:00 |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German and explanations in English |
| Costs: | CHF 920.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | bookbinders and interested persons with previous experience |
| Registration: | register now - click here |
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| No. 29 |
Danish Millimeter Binding
Course location Ascona
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This subtle half leather binding technique, developed in Denmark, has been constantly refined over the last century and is seen by bibliophiles as an extraordinary fine bookbinding. The book is worked on a 90° shoulder and head caps, similar to the German full leather binding. |
| Instructor: | Suzanne Schmollgruber |
| Date: | From Monday, 13th October until Friday, 17th October 2025 |
| Duration: | 5 days, Friday until 17:00 |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German or English and explanations in a second language |
| Costs: | CHF 1'199.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | bookbinders and interested persons with previous experience |
| Registration: | register now - click here |
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| No. 32 |
Designer Slipcase
Course location Ascona
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A designer slipcase fits the book perfectly, like a glove fits a hand and protects it completely from dust and light. The tailored rounded spine shape gives the slipcase a nice and snug feel. Participants can choose if they want to apply the opening horizontally, vertically, diagonally or free form. |
| Instructor: | Suzanne Schmollgruber |
| Date: | From Monday, 17th November until Friday, 21st November 2025 |
| Duration: | 5 days, Friday until 17:00 |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German or English and explanations in a second language |
| Costs: | CHF 1'199.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | bookbinders and interested persons with previous experience |
| Registration: | register now - click here |
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As usual, you can find more details about these and other courses on our webpage: |
Editorial: Katharina Meier
Translation: Beatrice Corti
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Administration: School: www.cbl-ascona.ch |
