cbl-Newsletter 4/2026
Partnerships and Shared Interests
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The centro del bel libro values collegial and professional exchanges with other institutions dedicated to the art of the beautiful book and to the joy of creating it. |
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The Atelier du Livre de Mariemont, with the support of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – Service des Arts Plastiques, is offering a research grant in book design and book arts, endowed with € 8,000. The completion grant is intended for artists whose work already incorporates the language and codes of the book as a medium and who wish to complete a research project focusing on contemporary techniques and structures in bookbinding or on the various forms of the book object. The grant covers the period from 1st December 2026 to 31st December 2027. It includes mentoring by professionals from the book arts sector as well as access to a fully equipped workshop. Application deadline (applications must be submitted in French): 16th September 2026. More information: https://musee-mariemont.be/fr/atelier-du-livre-de-mariemont |
We would also like to share a few impressions of how partnerships and shared interests can take shape within the ongoing courses at the centro del bel libro:

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Below you will find details about our upcoming courses. We would be delighted to receive your registration: |
| No. 13 |
The Parchment binding
Course location Ascona
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The course offers the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of working with parchment and expand your craftsmanship skills in classic bookbinding. Based on the technique of French fine binding, a parchment binding is created in six days, which is build directly on the book block. |
| Instructor: | Ireen Kranz |
| Date: | From Monday, 22nd June until Saturday, 27th June 2026 |
| Duration: | 6 days, Saturday until 12:00 |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German and explanations in English |
| Costs: | CHF 1'290.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | Bookbinding skills required |
| Registration: | register now - click here |

| No. 14 |
"Edelpappband" binding
Course location Ascona
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In this four-day course, participants will create two versions of the Edelpappband binding: one with leather-covered edges at the head and tail, and another with a reinforced cap and hidden corners. In addition, coloured edges and title designs will be developed, allowing the decorative paper used to unfold its full effect. The course is aimed at anyone interested in fine leather and paper craftsmanship. Depending on your previous experience, you will complete one cover and begin another. |
| Instructor: | Ireen Kranz |
| Date: | From Tuesday, 30th June until Friday, 3rd July 2026 |
| Duration: | 4 days |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German and explanations in English |
| Costs: | CHF 920.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | Bookbinding skills required |
| Registration: | register now - click here |

| No. 15 |
Finishing Tool Making: A Practical Approach
Course location Zurich
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In hand bookbinding, the primary way to finish, or decorate, a covered binding is to build up patterns and designs with individual decorative stamps, called finishing tools. Students in this workshop will learn the skills needed to fashion their own custom finishing tools. |
| Instructor: | Brien Beidler |
| Date: | From Tuesday, 30th June until Friday, 3rd July 2026 |
| Duration: | 4 days |
| Course location: | Schule für Gestaltung, Werkstatt für Goldschmiede, Ausstellungsstrasse 104, CH- 8005 Zurich |
| Language: | English |
| Costs: | CHF 960.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | Bookbinding experience is an advantage |
| Registration: | register now - click here |

| No. 16 |
Leather sharpening with the "Ascona knife"
Course location Ascona
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This course teaches the basics of leather sharpening with the traditional “Ascona knife.” It demonstrates a key technique that can be performed with two different hand positions—ideal for beginners as well as those who want to improve their skills. If you don't have your own Ascona knife, you can purchase one during the course. |
| Instructor: | Beat Frei |
| Date: | Monday, 31st August and Tuesday, 1st September 2026 |
| Duration: | 2 days |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German and English |
| Costs: | CHF 460.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | Bookbinding experience is an advantage |
| Registration: | register now - click here |

| No. 17 |
Limp – Link – Long. Exploring Techniques Hidden In Libraries Across Europe
Course location Ascona
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Students will be introduced to Northern European limp vellum binding styles. The class will begins with a short lecture showing various styles of bindings included in the collection of the Carolina Rediviva Library at the Uppsala University in Sweden. We will focus on materials and details, such as a rigid spine plate, weaving of the sewing thread, markers, and closures. Students will start by constructing a text block, shaping and preparing the supportive spine plate from a variety of materials, cutting the vellum cover to size and finally attaching the cover and adding closures. During the class we will have time for deeper study and discussions on some of the typical features found on books bound with this technique. We will then create two other bindings using these methods more freely … coloring and patterning the vellum, using metal and other nontraditional materials for spine supports of various shapes and sizes and working with unusual sewing patterns. |
| Instructor: | Adam Larsson |
| Date: | From Monday, 7th September until Friday, 11th September 2026 |
| Duration: | 5 days, Friday until 12:00 |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | English, Swedish if required |
| Costs: | CHF 1'150.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | Basic knowledge in bookbinding required |
| Registration: | register now - click here |

| No. 18 |
Embossing - Classic titles and creative decorations
Course location Ascona
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The Prägnant embossing press is a versatile tool that is used in many workshops. This course focuses on the basics of title setting – from practical applications to typographical issues. In addition, the press opens up numerous creative possibilities, which we will explore together: various embossing tools, foils and colours are used, as well as different materials. This results in a wide range of design ideas that go far beyond classic title embossing. |
| Instructor: | Sandra Merten |
| Date: | From Monday, 14th September until Wednesday, 16th September 2026 |
| Duration: | 3 days |
| Course location: | centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona |
| Language: | German and explanations in English |
| Costs: | CHF 690.- |
| Material costs: | special material depending on use |
| Participants: | Bookbinding experience is an advantage |
| Registration: | register now - click here |

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Editing: Katharina Meier |
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Administration: School: |
