Fabriano introduced the use of animal gelatin as a sizing agent, which allowed paper to be written on with ink without blotting.
The museum building originally served as the Dominican monastery of San Domenico before its conversion into a paper workshop and eventually a museum.
Watermarks are created by changing the thickness of the paper fibers within the mold using wire designs, visible only when held against light.
Fabriano’s paper-making tradition dates back to the mid-13th century, making it one of the oldest centers of paper production in Europe.
The museum maintains operational replicas of medieval hydraulic hammers, which were originally powered by water wheels.
During the 14th century, Fabriano paper was the standard for official documents throughout the Papal States and parts of Northern Europe.
The Museo della Carta e della Filigrana is housed in the restored 16th-century San Domenico convent in Fabriano, a city historically significant for its paper-making industry. It displays the evolution of handmade paper production, emphasizing the transition from rag-based pulp to refined artisanal sheets. Visitors can observe live demonstrations of traditional watermarking, a technique perfected in Fabriano during the 13th century. The facility preserves antique wooden presses, vats, and drying racks used in historic mills. It functions as both a museum and a research center for paper conservation and history. The collection features various types of watermarks, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship required to weave metal wires into paper molds. The museum highlights the specific technological innovations developed by Fabriano's papermakers, such as the use of gelatin sizing to prevent ink bleeding.
The central cloister of the former monastery, which offers natural light and preserved historic architecture.
Participate in a hands-on workshop to try your hand at creating a sheet of paper with a custom watermark.
Check the schedule for live artisan demonstrations, as these provide the most insight into the physical process of papermaking.
Focus on the lighting in the gallery to better see the intricate details of the watermark collection.
Do not rush through the demonstration area, as the papermaking process is nuanced and best appreciated when watched from start to finish.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; check for seasonal variations in operation.
