Writing on parchment, on ôles (palm leaves), on wax tablets, on rag paper or mulberry bark paper: the libraries of the Institute of Civilizations, and in particular those of the Asian Worlds Department (China, Korea, India and Central Asia, Japan, Tibet), hold in their valuable collections a wide variety of media illustrating numerous forms of writing.
On the occasion of its annual study day in Paris, the French Association for the History and Study of Paper and Paper Mills (AFHEPP) was welcomed on 15 October by the curators of the research libraries to observe, handle and discuss the processes involved in the manufacture, conservation and restoration of these media. This opportunity to undertake, in a single location, a ‘stationary journey into the very essence of paper’ offered everyone – from library professionals to paper specialists – a wonderful chance to put their knowledge into perspective and deepen their understanding of its significance.
The AFHEPP’s primary mission is to encourage any initiative that contributes to scientific research and the dissemination of knowledge on the history of paper and paper mills. To this end, it organises an annual study day devoted to current developments in research into the history of paper or to a specific theme. It also publishes an annual journal entitled *PapierS *.
