Now in its 2nd Year – explore handmade cover papermaking with Jacques Brejoux & paper covered binding with Christopher Clarkson – a workshop to be held in the 16th century Moulin Du Verger Paper Mill in Puymoyen, near Angoulême in the Charante (Cognac) region of France.
At the IPC conference in Edinburgh in 2006, Conservation By Design were pleased to introduce these two extraordinary scholars and craftsmen and suggested that they work together for the 1st time in September 2007, sharing their experience and knowledge. This will be the 2nd workshop at the paper mill in the wonderful surroundings of the French countryside.
Dates
Monday 8th September to Friday 12th September 2008 — 5 days
Arrival Saturday 6th/ Sunday 7th - Depart Saturday 13 or Sunday 14th.
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Introduction
An exceptional opportunity to work with two leaders in their different fields and combine a five day stay in rural France with a period of research, training and testing the qualities of handmade cover papers required in book conservation for sympathetic & durable rebinding.
Using 19th & 20th century linen rags to make handmade papers, Jacques Brejoux will demonstrate the techniques of fibre identification, pulping, refining, sheet forming, couching, loft drying etc. At present stampers are being built for Jacques, so direct comparisons can be made between pulp produced using the Hollander & that produced using stampers. Jacques will share his knowledge & discuss the technical aspects of paper as they relate to book conservation and generally enjoy the tactile experience of handmade papermaking with all participants.
Chris Clarkson, using Jacques’ cover papers & some from other western mills, will discuss the technical qualities he requires in a handmade cover paper for use in rebinding period text-blocks. Chris will focus on cover paper qualities & their necessary requirements. His exemplars are the cover papers made & used on books of the Italian Renaissance & his teaching will concentrate on these as rebinding types for certain formats. Historically they are either limp or semi-limp binding structures, many of which use no adhesive but rely on particular qualities in the materials chosen & in the binding techniques used. The qualities required in cover papers are tear & crease strength, abrasive resistance, fold shaping – not only considerations of structural support but also of smoothness of folds; the consideration of weight of sheet to format is also important. Happily these are also factors that play a part in the tactile enjoyment of such bindings.
In the first workshop, 2007, the interchange and shared knowledge & skills of Jacques & Chris, & that of the participants, added to informed discussion & helped towards a joint understanding of the requirements – possibly, if needed, a reassessment – of western style papers used in the conservation & rebinding of books & archival material. Following the initial workshop prototypes cover papers were produced and are in the process of being tested. Also reproduction stammper has been commissioned and this will be used in the paper pulp process for the workshop in 2008.
Objectives
To give participants an experience of papermaking at a high level and of paper binding types of the 16th & 17th century; to inform understanding of the processes, terminology & requirements/considerations. The hands-on course alongside is designed to focus attention onto book conservation & paper binding matters. The hope is to gain some deeper knowledge of the advantages and restrictions of the various processes and the various/types of qualities & textures & marks achievable.
Perceived audience
Those interested in European paper documents, books & archives from the late thirteenth century, particularly curators, senior conservators and paper historians. The group size is likely to be a maximum of eight people and previous experience is necessary.
Content
Participants will be involved in the papermaking process, learning in detail about the fibre selection and preparation, traditional tools & equipment as well as new ideas & techniques. The application of short practical projects & bench tests will focus attention specifically on the physical qualities required in a handmade cover paper for book conservation purposes.
Teaching approach
Most of the teaching will be in the context of two practical workshops. Each session will be introduced by an illustrated talk followed by an opportunity to handle historical material and then it will be over to participants to make layered paper under supervision. It is hoped that the atmosphere will be informal, knowledgeable & serious. The course is based on looking at real examples, and packs of material have been brought together for this purpose. So as to provide some historical and visual context, each session will be introduced with an illustrated presentation. Thereafter we shall have fun, experiencing a mixture of confusion and elation as the subtle differences between processes reveal themselves.
No. of Participants
Eight
How time is divided
The programme is basically two days, after which the participant groups swap round. The extra day is the accumulated time, a visit to the Paper Museum and some time to explore the local area. We will be all together for joint lectures & discussions e.g. trying to express or show the qualities required in a cover paper essential to the success of what appears to be simple binding structures. Because the practical period is short & attention must be focused, the papermaking & binding types will be carefully selected, & the participants should have basic knowledge, experience & skill.
Language – The course will be conducted in English.
Meals – All meals, breakfast, picnic lunch and evening dinner will be provided with the course for those staying at our Gite accommodation. Those delegates that wish to stay independently will join the others for a picnic lunch at the mill.
Travel to/from our Gite accommodation to Mill – this is included in the Gite accommodation cost.
Travel to/from Angoulême -France – This will be the responsibility of the individual delegate.
General Information
1) Workshop Venue Location
Moulin Du Verger 16th Century Mill. Puymoyen, near Angoulême in the Charente(Cognac) region of France
2) Interests & events in the area (for those contemplating a holiday before or after the workshop?).
Tourist information www.visitcharente.com
Architecture of the area, castles, country houses, churches and abbeys.
River events, swimming, boat trips.
Gym, rambling, mountain bike courses.
Gastronomy, restaurants, world of cognac
Le circuit des remparts is a motor race for Bugattis and other vintage and pre-war racing cars taking place the weekend of 13/14 September 2008
3) Accommodation – Two simple and basic Gites full of character in the local Charente countryside.
Accessibility – stairs, gravel drives
Facilities – Own kitchen, outside seating area, large dining room
Food local – Restaurants, bistro, shops and market in nearest town approx 6km away no amenities within walking distance
Car parking – Room for approx 6 cars
Distance from mill (near Angouleme) to Gite accommodation- 20 minutes by car
Distance to Angouleme Town from nearest airport 30 minutes( Angoulême) or approx 1 hour (Poitier)
4) Travel & Transport
Daily chauffeur plus 6 people in people carrier/taxi to/from Gite to Mill
From within France :Bordeaux : 120 km/ La Rochelle : 130 km / Limoges : 100 km/ Paris : 450 km/ Poitiers : 115 km
From Europe :Amsterdam : 960 km /Berlin : 1500 km/ Bruxelles : 755 km/ Geneva: 620 km/ London : 845 km /Madrid : 835 km / Roma : 1510 km
Access by road
Motorway A 10 Paris / Bordeaux exits Poitiers and Cognac
Travel information : Bordeaux regional travel information centre : +33 5 56 96 33 33
By air
Angoulême airport : +33 5 45 69 88 09
Paris Charles De Gaulle airport + 33 5 48 62 22 80: 473km
Poitiers airport : +33 5 49 30 04 40 Poitiers : I 15 km
Bordeaux airport : +33 5 56 34 50 50 Bordeaux : 120 km
Limoges airport : +33 5 55 43 30 30 Limoges : 100 km (La Rochelle : I 30 km)
Some Airline web sites
www.ryanair.com www.easyjet.com www.britishairways.com
By TGV
SNCF stations in Angoulême and Ruffec : +33 8 36 35 35
Angoulême / Paris [ 18 TGV per day]: 2hrs 10mins
Lille / Angoulême: 4hrs
Roissy airport / Angoulême: 3hrs I 0mins
Bordeaux / Angoulême: 55mins
Hendaye / Angoulême: 3hrs I 0mins
London / Angoulême: 5hrs
Brussels / Angoulême: 5hrs 20mins
SNCF website www.sncf.co.uk/ or www.raileurope.co.uk/
5) Materials and equipment needed
Materials – to be advised to delegates with booking confirmation details
All raw materials provided
Clothing such as Wellington boots and large aprons provided
It can be cold within the mill even in Summer – with its thick walls – bring warm work clothing.
6) Costs
| Workshop - | Fee for 5 day | 1005.25 euros or | £800.00 per person |
| Accommodation – | 5 nights full board | 377 euros or | £300.00 per person (sharing twin room) |
| 5 nights full board | 490 euros or | £390.00 per person ( single occupancy) |
Additional nights accommodation (Accommodation only at the Gites) before or after workshop at 32 euros or £30.00 per person per night – subject to availability – delegates must provide their own food..
Angouleme Town has many hotels at various costs www.visitcharente.com
Click here to download a booking form
For further information or specific questions please contact:-
Denise Troughton
Email d.troughton212@btinternet.com
Telephone (evening and weekends) 00 44 1234 831201
Two of the Gites set in the wonderful Charente Countryside
