TYPA - the Estonian Print and Paper Museum, founded in 2006, is dedicated to the preservation of print and paper heritage and the promotion of international relations.
Printing and papermaking, their industry and heritage have a long and central role in the history of Europe. TYPA preserves this shared heritage in an innovative way, creating value for and preserving the values of historical printing and papermaking through the intersection of contemporary tools and traditional techniques. The museum’s collection is made up of historic printing equipment that has been preserved, wherever possible, to full working order, allowing visitors to try out historical printing and papermaking techniques. The museum also promotes innovative artistic and skill-sharing approaches and a rich programme of events. The museum shows how innovation can stem from the understanding of historical technologies and techniques.
Watch the project video
Interview with Charlotte Biszewski, Studio & Residency Manager, and Lemmit Kaplinski, Board Member
1) What was the most difficult or challenging moment during this project?
There are always challenging aspects with the museum, finding definition and recognition for the work that we do has been a continued struggle. It sets us aside from museums, galleries, and fine-art studios. Instead, we have often found ourselves in not quite fitting into a traditional role, by being aligned with programs such as ILUCIDARE do find opportunity to better understand ourselves.
2) What was the most rewarding?
There is a rewarding moment which is shared by every member of our small staff. It is when a new visitor enters, not knowing what to expect. Once they have ventured through the threshold and signed themselves over to our tour guides, it is not long until they are captivated. Often it is the first time they have made paper, learnt how complicated the typesetting process was and witnessed the final stages of traditional bookbinding.
3) What does the future of your project look like?
In the future, we would like to extend our international collaborations, working with like-minded institutions in innovative approaches to heritage. We would like to further our knowledge in our own print technology, organise conferences and skill-sharing on a wider European level.
Contact: Lemmit Kaplinski, Board Member, lemmit@typa.ee; +3725118619
