A visit to Bevagna’s La Cartiera to see hand papermaking.

Paper is made using various fibres including linen, hemp, and cotton. Lime is added to break down the fibres into a “mash” or pulp.

Pulp is transferred to a barrel and stirred to get a homogeneous mix.

Using a mold and deckle, a sheet of pulp is pulled from the barrel.

Sarah helps to tip off a sheet from the mold and deckle.

A felt absorbs the moisture.

Sheets hang to dry on a wooden peg system.

Sheets hang on bamboo rods to dry further.

Paper is flattened in a press before being brushed with gelatine to add size (for paint absorption without feathering).

The cobbled streets of Bevagna bustle with Saturday shoppers. I recommend the Nutella pastry and the pistachio cookies from the bakery. Oh, and the cashmere wraps from Badiali come in a rainbow of colours.

San Filippo church bells ring at noon as a couple exchange wedding vows. We were hoping for a glimpse of the newlyweds, but had to dash off to catch our shuttle.

Coming up in the series:

Umbria: Cascata delle Marmore—Manmade Waterfall

Umbria: Farewell—Ink, Paint, Paper, Passion