Apparuti “He restored ancient books from collections and museums around the world” passed away

Gianfranco Apparuti, one of the most profound connoisseurs of the art of binding ancient books, has passed away at the age of 81. An invaluable heritage of knowledge goes with him: “He was able to recognize influences, contaminations of styles and to save books in such bad condition that, if they had not ended up in his hands, they would have been irrecoverable”, recalls his son Ruggero who inherited all his father’s secrets and who, in these hours, is receiving moving messages from collectors and bibliophiles from England, Holland and even the United States. The works he restored are kept by the greatest collectors and in the most important museums. Gianfranco Apparuti, born in via Scarpa on 8 May 1941 – who has always been passionate about books – had begun his profession as a restorer as a boy, in the workshop of master Adelmo Manicardi and in 1968 he had opened the workshop in via Saragozza, where the son Ruggero: “He came to the laboratory until two weeks ago – he says – This place was his life. Now I will have to go on without him, he handed down to me everything he knew and I know I can do it, but I will miss his supervision , his advice… his presence gave me security”.

Here, in the heart of Modena, there has been a laboratory for 55 years that is a real treasure, a treasure chest of timeless secrets. A point of reference for collectors from all over the world and which, in the digital age, restores the charm of centuries-old volumes. Books and incunabula which – thanks to the care of Apparuti father and son – have returned and will return to their former glory. Gianfranco Apparuti was among the number one in the world as regards art binding and was proud of his collection of engraving tools, unique pieces dating back to ancient times and now unobtainable: “He inherited them from maestro Manicardi, with these tools we can replicate bindings from 1200 to 1800 – explains Ruggero, specialized in the restoration and reconstruction of antique leather – My father knew how to use and combine these tools impeccably, his technique was incomparable and other restorers often turned to him for the his precious advice. But the secrets of the trade, he never revealed them, except to me. He had clients from all over the world, we are talking about libraries, collectors, museums”.

The Apparutis also worked for Modena’s museums, the library of the military academy and the abbey of San Pietro, where Gianfranco’s funeral will be held tomorrow at 2.30pm. Among the works commissioned to the antiquarian bookbinding Apparuti, the restoration of a 17th century volume on Blessed Amedeo IX of Savoy stands out, requested by the Savoy family who in 2002 donated the work to Pope John Paul II.

Gianfranco Apparuti, in addition to Ruggero, leaves behind his children Sonia and Eugenio and his wife Deanna.

Valentina Beltrame