Bookbinding & Marbled Paper by the Gianninis

The shop display windows testify to the simple beauty of handmade crafts specific to the tradition of Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood; for over 150 years the Giannini family has left an impression—artistically and symbolically—on the Florentine artisan community. In 1856, Pietro Giannini, the owner of a modest stationary shop, located at its current Piazza Pitti address at #37, endeavored to expand his craft to include leather bookbinding, which would eventually lead to the firm’s trademark production of marbled paper.

Guests are welcome to see marbled paper as well as bookbinding demonstrations (free; reservations required) given by Maria and Guido Giannini, respectively the sixth and fifth generation family members to carry on these time-honored traditions.  See a video preview.

The bookbinder artist not only considers the esthetics of a binding, but specific features that add to a perfect functionality—the result must be sturdy and easy to use. The construction of a book is therefore a procedure that requires not only a keen artistic sense, but also a high level of craftsmanship acquired only with experience.

Today more than ever the firm Giulio Giannini e Figlio is determined to do whatever necessary so the world can learn to recognize an “artistic bookbinding” (legatoria d’arte) and to appreciate a book well made. Guido’s mission is to teach how to distinguish between a book destined for popular and quick consumption and one constructed to last.

The creation of marbled paper is achieved by a 1,000-year-old Oriental technique brought to Europe by the Arabs.  Maria explains the process: “Seaweed is the crucial ingredient. Boiled and filtered, it produces a gelatin broth, upon which I splatter water-based colors.”  Thanks to the composition of the gelatin, each color floats on the surface, retaining its own form without blending.

“I use antique wooden and metal tools to spread or swirl the colors into their marble designs,” says Maria. She then carefully places a piece of paper into the basin containing enough glue to ensure proper absorption of the colors. When the pattern adheres to paper, the sheet is immediately removed and hung to dry.

“To create marbled paper is not difficult,” says Maria, “but it takes years of practice to master the art of making beautiful designs.”

Considering only one sheet can be made at a time, each end result is unique. The family’s small output of marbled paper is destined to be used in the decoration of picture frames, boxes, albums, journals, wrapping paper, pencils and other artistic stationary supplies, all bearing the Giannini family’s distinct touch and trademark.

Giulio Giannini e Figlio, Piazza Pitti 37, Florence.  Phone 055/21.26.21, web site www.giuliogiannini.com.