Cartiere Miliani-Fabriano
Fabriano, located in Italy 132 miles northast of Rome, claims to be the oldest active papermaking town in
Europe. Watermarks dating back to 1283 are credited to the artisans of Fabriano, which is the only
proof to the claim. Paper began being produced in the town when the crusaders brought the knowledge
home from the Holy Land. The technique spread all over Europe from Fabriano.
The town has been responsible for many innovations in papermaking. Hammer or stamping mills for rag
pulp were first used there. The Giano River provided power for the wooden beaters to beat the pulp
when it was completely made from rag. These beaters were used until about 1960, and can still be
viewed today at the Cartiere Miliani Mill. Animal gelatin was also first used in Fabriano for paper
sizing. This sizing made the paper stronger, more durable, and better to write on with ink. Fabriano's
most famous contribution to papermaking has been its watermarks.
The first known watermark to be produced at the mill was a cross with circles at the points. Later,
an anvil was used as the symbol of the town, and it was also used as a watermark. In 1964, it cost
around $150 to create a watermark for a handmade sheet. It cost $450 to make one for a dandy roll.
Today the mill produces amazing watermarks, including reproductions of master paintings and portraits
of famous figures.
Fabriano papermaking flourished from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, largely from the
success of watermarks. However, a recession of 150 years followed. Pietro Miliani is credited with
returning fame to Fabriano by restoring past quality in paper production. He merged all the small
mills of Fabriano into one large mill. The Cartiere Miliani-Fabriano mill today operates with modern
machinery and continues to create handmade papers for state papers, various documents, and watercolor
drawing as well.
George Washington
Moses
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