cbl-Newsletter 4/2025

This year’s Annual General Meeting of the Centro del bel libro Ascona was held at the Sonnental Restaurant in Dübendorf. Our President, Dieter Kläy, warmly welcomed all those in attendance. The agenda included the President’s annual report, updates on school operations, the course programme and financial matters. Elections were also held to renew the entire Board. All members stood for re-election for another three-year term, with the exception of one.

Elisabeth Mordasini had announced her resignation well in advance. For many years - indeed, decades - she has played a vital role in shaping, managing, and supporting the centro del bel libro. Whether serving as Accounting Manager, a member of the Board, or championing our eduQua certification, she was always a reliable and valued presence. We are especially grateful for her support in dealings with various authorities, her contact with the municipality of Ascona, and her role as a problem-solver. Whether organizing competitions, coordinating the relocation of the restoration school, or overseeing renovation projects, she was always there - hands-on and committed. We extend our heartfelt thanks for everything she has done!

It is with sincere regret that we bid her farewell, though we know she remains closely connected to the cbl and will continue to support us in spirit.

After the Annual General Meeting, we had the pleasure of visiting the Renfer bookbindery. Following a warm welcome from Paul and Kathrin Renfer, we were given an insightful tour of their facilities. A heartfelt thank you to both for their hospitality.

As the centro del bel libro continues to serve as a vibrant platform for a diverse range of courses, we would like to highlight the upcoming offerings. Last-minute spots are still available - don’t miss out!

No. 17

Course location Ascona

Traditional Japanese specialized papers: their treatment and finishing

The course focuses on a few selected handmade papers that originally served a very specific purpose, such as urushikoshi paper as a filter for Japanese lacquer. With the decline of the original techniques for which they were intended, these papers are also unfortunately disappearing.
The papers used in the course have a long tradition and are printed, dyed or embossed according to their special properties, and then bound. We will focus on the special characteristics of the papers and develop suitable solutions for the binding. Various book forms, such as those developed by Veronika Schäpers for her artist's books, will serve as models.

Certificates and diplomas do not need to be uploaded when registering.

Instructor:

Veronika Schäpers

Date:

From Monday, 16th June until Friday, 20th June 2025

Duration:

5 days, Friday until 12:00

Course location:

centro del bel libro, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

German and English

Costs:

CHF 1'150.-

Material costs:

special material depending on use

Participants:

bookbinders and interested persons with previous experience

Registration:

No. 18

Course location Ascona

This course is intended to offer participants the opportunity to critically review and discuss various techniques and their approaches in book and paper conservation as well as in exhibition related work. It is meant to be an overview of well-known and innovative conservation techniques, which will be demonstrated and reviewed by the participants. Furthermore, there will be ample time for discussions and suggestions. Topics covered include attaching loose boards, rebacking materials, alum-tawed parchment as a repair material, tips for paper repairs, using cast pulp paper in paper conservation, ideas how to mount books for exhibition displays, and other helpful tips.
This course is best suited for participants with prior knowledge in book and paper conservation.

Certificates and diplomas do not need to be uploaded when registering.

Instructor:

Renate Mesmer

Date:

From Monday, 23rd June until Friday, 27th June 2025

Duration:

5 days, Friday until 12:00

Course location:

centro del bel libro, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

German and English

Costs:

CHF 1'150.-

Material costs:

special material depending on use

Participants:

book- and paper restorers and interested persons with previous experience

Registration:

No. 19

Course location Ittigen (Bern)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both traditional and innovative paper conservation techniques. Starting with basic methods such as simple tear repairs and filling losses, it progresses to more advanced treatments, including addressing damage from mold, brittle paper, and the mechanical stabilization of paper affected by ink corrosion.
Participants will explore topics such as humidification, washing, drying, flattening, and lining. The course also covers innovative techniques, materials, and processes, which participants will apply practically.
Please note that prior knowledge of paper restoration is required for this course.

Certificates and diplomas do not need to be uploaded when registering.

Instructor:

Renate Mesmer

Date:

From Monday, 30th June until Friday, 4th July 2025

Duration:

5 days, Friday until 12:00

Course location:

Atelier Michael Rothe, Hinterer Schermen 27, CH-3063 Ittigen

Language:

German and English

Costs:

CHF 1'150.-

Material costs:

special material depending on use

Participants:

interested persons with previous knowledge in paper restoration

Registration:

No. 20

Course location Ascona

Learn how to integrate powerful neodymium magnets as practical and playful elements in both book and box structures. We will work with a large selection of magnets in different sizes, shapes, and strengths and integrate them as closures, hinges, or connectors in our work. We will make a series of useful reference models and complete some sample book and box structures that incorporate magnets in different ways.

Certificates and diplomas do not need to be uploaded when registering.

Instructor:

Kylin Lee

Date:

From Monday, 7th July until Friday, 11th July 2025

Duration:

5 days, Friday until 17:00

Course location:

centro del bel libro, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

German and English

Costs:

CHF 1'199.-

Material costs:

special material depending on use

Participants:

bookbinders and interested persons with previous experience

Registration:

For details on these and other courses, please visit our website as usual:
https://www.cbl-ascona.ch/en/programm

And because images often speak louder than words, here are a few impressions from recent moments at the centro del bel libro.

Editorial: Katharina Meier
Images: Myrtha Rüttimann
Translation: Bea Corti

Administration:
centro del bel libro ascona
Viale St. Franscini 30
CH-6500 Bellinzona – Switzerland

School:
centro del bel libro ascona
Via Collegio 17
CH-6612 Ascona – Switzerland

www.cbl-ascona.ch
Telefon +41 (0) 91 825 11 62
info@cbl-ascona.ch

General Assembly

I love Japan: good old days?

Course location Ascona

Practical Approaches in Bood and Paper Conservation

Course location Ascona

Conservation of Paper: Tradition, Methods and Approaches

Course location Ittigen (Bern)

Practical and Playful Magnets

Course location Ascona