For over two millennia, humans have made paper by inventing, improving, and adapting a range of tools and equipment to effectively create the best product. In the 20th century, European-style hand papermaking experienced a revival made possible by specialized studios and tools. This field of creative hand papermaking is small but robust, enabled by a key group of people: the toolmakers. These skilled makers build the equipment and tools essential to making paper by hand but receive little attention.

This survey of fifteen makers across four continents gives center stage to these remarkable people, illuminating their personal paths towards these niche practices. Unfortunately, only a few are training successors while they age into retirement, even as interest in hand papermaking booms, but their stories inspire renewed commitment to learning how to make things – and, more importantly – how to make things work. Here, we listen to their voices, bring sustained attention to their vital contributions, and encourage a new generation of builders and tinkerers to advance hand papermaking.

With 390 illustrations.