My visit with Lapo and Michiko was a highlight of my time in Florence. Lapo is a sixth-generation Florentine bookbinder and Michiko a specialist conservationist. Their workshop is beautiful, and it was fascinating to see their creative process and finished works.

This was their first experience, so it may need a little refining — but they were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. Lapo even shared a copy of The Art of Cartonaggio, written by his great-grandfather and illustrated by his father — which I could take with me as well as my bookmark.

Lapo and Michiko are true artisans. I especially enjoyed our conversations about embossing, traditional bookbinding and rare books. As someone from Oxford with a background in rare books and the Bodleian Library, it was the perfect experience for me.