Lapo Giannini & Michiko Kuwata

A love story crafted on the page

• Lapo and Michiko fell in love with books – and then each other
• Lapo is one of a long line of Florentine artistic bookbinders
• Paper marbling was introduced to Florence by Lapo’s grandfather

The story of Atelier GK is one of intersecting passions. A passion for binding and restoring books led Lapo Giannini and Michiko Kuwata to work in the same workshop in Florence, then their passion for each other led them to independence. In 2010, the couple decided to open their own studio in Florence, creating artistic paper and leather products that reflect both east and west. “We never lose sight of the future, but we must always remember that our craft is very much tied to tradition,” they say. “We like to experiment, for example using unusual raw materials, like carbon fibre, which we like to mix with the most precious leather.”

Interview

©Atelier GK

©Atelier GK

How did you train to become a bookbinder?

Lapo: In 2006 I left the family business to pursue my own career in the field I was born into. Michiko: After graduating in literature in Tokyo, I took a course in art history in Paris and then joined a workshop in Florence, specialising in the restoration of antique books and drawings.

Where do you find inspiration?

Lapo: I am inspired by the books I work on. I read them before setting out on a new project, and I let my imagination run free. Michiko: Florence is my main inspiration. I like to mix the aesthetics of the Renaissance with an approach that is deeply Japanese, based on rigour and precision.

What aspect of your work do people generally not understand?

What we do requires a number of invisible steps that are inevitably reflected in the price. Florence has a long tradition of paper processing, but unfortunately there are many shops whose products are anything but artisanal. Our duty is to train the public to recognise what is well made.

What is the history of your technique of paper marbling?

Lapo: It is mistakenly believed that the tradition of paper marbling was born in Florence. In fact, this technique comes from Asia, and it probably originated in China. My grandfather brought it to Florence after seeing the works of a French artisan at a specialised fair.

Lapo Giannini & Michiko Kuwata are expert artisans they began their career in 1993

Works

©Atelier GK

©Atelier GK

©Atelier GK

©Atelier GK

©Atelier GK

Where

Experiences

Bookbinding course in Florence

10 Hours

800 EUR per person

Book making in Florence

2 Hours

120 EUR per person

Book restoration course in Florence

20 Hours

1600 EUR

Leather decoration course in Florence

10 Hours

2000 EUR