A papermaker or artisanal papermaker is a craftsman who produces paper by hand using traditional methods and cellulose-rich materials, such as cotton and linen. This craft, often carried out in paper mills, involves preparing a cellulose pulp, which the craftsman soaks in water before molding it into thin layers. Once formed, each sheet is pressed and dried, producing a durable and aesthetically pleasing paper, prized for a variety of uses such as book restoration, crafts, and luxury publishing.
These artisans meet the needs of specialized clients, such as bookbinders, artists or conservation institutions, who prioritize the quality and uniqueness of this type of artisanal paper.
This know-how, once common, is now rare and often passed on through apprenticeship in workshops or heritage structures.