About us

The centro del bel libro ascona offers hand bookbinders, graphic designers, conservators, and interested persons with appropriate experience a forum for learning and engagement that encompasses both technical and creative aspects of bookbinding and design. Course participants have the opportunity to further their education and broaden their skills by learning new techniques and methods from internationally recognized instructors who stand at the forefront of their craft. The unique environment of the CBL allows for unparalleled creative exchange with other professionals in the field, provides new inspiration and fresh approaches to your creative practice, as well as an opportunity for self-reflection away from daily stresses and work-life demands.

Our annual course program is continuously changing in order to offer you a wide variety of interesting and up-to-date courses. We offer everything from the classic hand bookbinding techniques such as the French full leather binding, the “Bradel” technique or classic gold tooling, to the latest in contemporary book design and binding techniques. The second focus of the program is on the broader, contemporary applications of paper as a medium – from the bound book to packaging and presentation media and sculptural forms. Materials, design and technical craftsmanship all play a synergistic role to fill the functional and qualitative demands of your work.
The Department of Book and Paper Conservation offers courses to professionals in the field of bookbinding and conservation, librarians, archivists and others working with paper and books on a professional level. Our program covers introductory, intermediate, advanced and specialized courses. Our courses offer the theoretical background needed for understanding the subject matter and special attention is given to each student for guided hands-on practice.

Since 2023, we are offering our course programme with guest lecturers from Switzerland and the rest of the world. Also from 2023, some courses will be offered at the Zurich location of the "School of design SfGZ" (www.sfgz.ch).