The History of Engraving

Come along as together we examine rare books in the Onassis Library’s collection and discover the engravings that make them more beautiful. For example, initial letters, the first letters at the beginning of a text, usually capital and different from the rest, looking as if they were designed by artists. And you know what? They were.

On a visit to the Athens School of Fine Arts, artists will tell you about the history of engraving and show you the entire process by which an engraving is created, from sketching to printing. Then you’ll be ready to pick up the tools of the trade and create your own initial letter on Japanese paper, which you’ll take home with you. Let your inner artist out! Grab a knife, chisel, and graver and engrave your own, unique piece. Use specialized tools, sketch, cut, ink your engraving and print it, learning the art of engraving.