Paper folding was studied in Bauhaus workshops of basics studies. There are some pictures where I have seen some familiar geometric constructions and forms. I have notified here where you could find those geometrically folded shapes.
-
Some geometric research of 3D-modular units which could shape regular polyhedrons or more organic continuing constructions. History of Curved Origami Sculpture Erik Demaine and Martin Demaine The earliest known reference in modern time Europe of curved-crease sculpture is from a student’s work at the Bauhaus, from a preliminary course in paper study taught by Josef Albers in 1927–1928. Polyhedra origami (from one sheet) This origami resource center provides information about the art of paper folding. We provide links to diagrams, databases, book reviews, and ways to be a part of the paper folding community. Miyuki Kawamura: Polyhedron origami for the beginners
Extreme Origami – Kunihiko Kasahara from New York Origami Center made a new book about his works. Daniel Kwan foldings shows what an elementary origami could be.
In old Japan the mass production of paper spread allover the country during the Edo period (1603-1868). So it was easier for ordinary people to study paper folding and enjoy the art of origami. The world’s oldest book on origami (1797), is titled “How to Fold a Thousand Cranes”. The book includes detailed instructions for folding paper cranes. In the following Meiji period (1868-1912) origami began to be taught widely for children in Japan, as in elementary school drawing classes, and became extremely familiar for people.
Paper History links & activities
Amalfi Paper Museum near Salerno, Italy, almost 1000 years of making paper. This is actually not an article but a list of handmade paper activities and places connected to historical matters of paper. There are some museums and old mills which still are quite active. Then I have listed few organizations that might interest you as International Association of Hand Papermakers & Paper Artists.
International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA) has 465 members from 38 different countries. Iapma is the one organization that support and present new activities and exhibitions in paper art internationally and they even have a nice net gallery.
The International Association of Paper Historians (IPH) integrates professionals of different branches and all friends of paper within the field of paper history. It coordinates all interests and activities in paper history as an international specialist association co-operating with international, regional and local organisations not only of paper historians but also of keepers of archives and libraries, conservators, arthistorians, specialists in books, printing etc, associations of the paper industry, the publishing trade etc., including handicraft and artistic activities in connection with paper. Look also very active site of National Association of Paper Historians in Spain.
In Catalonia there is The Capellades Paper Mill Museum which is located in the town of Capellades (60 km from Barcelona, Spain) in an old 18th Century paper mill known as the “Molí de la Villa”. The building has a surface area of 2200 m² spread over four floors and a cellar.
Next to the “Molí” is “La Bassa”: a natural source of water from which flowed twelve million litres a day. This was used to drive the sixteen paper mills which operated in this area.The museum’s mill continues to make high-quality handmade paper, using different fibres, sizes, colours and watermarks. The paper produced in the museum is ideal for graphic work, book publishing, diplomas, etc. The museum also manufacures a line of products of paper that combines handmade paper with designer characteristics.Amalfi Museum of Paper is located in southern Italy in Salerno coast The place was the oldest one of the Middle age Sea Republics of Italy and held intense trade relationships with the Orient and therefore they had learned the art of papermaking without any problem from Arabs and the Orientals. There have maybe situated the oldest paper mills in Europe. For Italy there are mainly two cities to contest to be first in paper making; Amalfi and Fabriano…
Handmade Paper Mill in Velké Losiny in Czech Handmade paper mill was built at the site of a former flour mill by John younger of Žerotín. According to the testimony of springs paper mill started production as one of the companies developing the suzerain economy sometimes between the years 1591-1596. The Handmade Paper Mill in Velké Losiny of Šumperk, belongs among the oldest handmade paper mills in operation in Europe.
In France The Moulin du Got, whose construction on the Tard is authorized in 1433, is active for paper manufacture as early as 1522. It allowed an average of 2,400 sheets of fine square paper to be made each year for Parisian printers…
The Angoulême Paper Museum opened its doors in 1988. The Museum was previously used by the famous local paper firm « Le Nil », closed at the end of the 70’s. It was in 1537 that Maître Thérot-Texier launched the manufacture of fine paper known as “l’Angoumois”, which was highly prized by the Angoulême Cathedral Chapter…One place to find an excellent handmade paper in net is Ruscombe Paper mill Traditional handmade paper with present day methods
Awa Washi paper Japan – Traditional handmade japanese paper Established in 1989, this non-profit museum (also known as Washi Kaikan) is dedicated to the preservation of the techniques and skills of Awa washi for future generations as well as the expansion, promotion and introduction of Awa washi to the general public through workshop, demonstrations, exhibitions, lectures,etc. See also: Glossaire du papetier / French/English paper dictionary
