Family Program: An Open Book—Fun with Historic Book Arts
Bookmaking was once a blend of art, craft, and cultural tradition. At Historic Deerfield’s History Workshop, this hands-on summer program explores historic book arts through changing activities like paper marbling. This decorative technique, used across Europe and the Middle East for centuries, added beauty and authenticity to book covers and legal documents. By working with patterns, pigments, and hand tools, visitors can learn how these materials and methods shaped the way books were made and preserved.
Self-Directed Learning
In Florence, Italy, marbled paper is still made by hand using centuries-old techniques. This video follows a sixth-generation artisan as she creates swirling patterns by floating pigments on a thickened liquid and transferring them to paper, demonstrating how early crafts relied on an understanding of how materials interact. Alongside the artistry, viewers learn about the evolution of printing technology, from antique presses to modern machines. Paired with Historic Deerfield’s book arts program, this video supports interdisciplinary learning in history, chemistry, and design, connecting traditions in bookmaking to science and culture.
