facsimile production Services
At Incipit Manuscript, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty and cultural legacy of ancient manuscripts and books through faithful and expert facsimile production.
Our process is rooted in a deep respect for history and craftsmanship. From the initial consultation and negotiations with libraries to the delivery of each complete edition, our team ensures that every facsimile reflects the essence of the original work. Each project includes a custom slipcase and a scholarly book study prepared by leading experts.
We offer a full-service approach to facsimile production, including high-resolution digitization, photomechanical processing (pre-press), careful selection of materials and formats, and precise facsimile printing. Every copy is finished with handmade bookbinding using traditional techniques, ensuring a result that is both authentic and durable. Each limited edition is certified by official documentation and a notarial act accompanying every unit.
Research and Commitment to Excellence
Each of our facsimile editions is the result of rigorous historical research and a firm commitment to quality and authenticity. We collaborate with experts in history, conservation, and art to ensure that every reproduction captures not just the appearance of the manuscript, but also its historical and cultural significance.
We are proud to bring history and art into your hands—preserving the legacy of ancient books and manuscripts for future generations..
Find out more about our products. We invite you to view other delicate works commissioned by publishers, institutions and libraries at this link.
Research and Documentation
The first step in our facsimile production process is an in-depth investigation of the original manuscript. We work closely with historians, library conservators, and art experts to understand every detail of the piece—its texture, colors, imperfections, tears, and visible signs of aging. This careful documentation allows us to create the most faithful and accurate facsimile reproductions possible.
In addition, we offer personalized manuscript searches and historical document sourcing based on each client’s interests, along with obligation-free project estimates..
High-Resolution Photography
We use high-resolution digitization technology to capture every detail of the original manuscript. This crucial stage ensures that every texture, color, and nuance is faithfully recorded. The resulting digital images serve as the foundation for the entire facsimile reproduction, guaranteeing that no element is overlooked.
Our on-site color management process is one of the defining aspects of our work. We visit the institution housing the original manuscript with a high-quality printer and conduct rigorous testing until the printed reproduction is virtually indistinguishable from the original. This ensures a consistent and precise color reference throughout the entire facsimile printing process, resulting in a final product of exceptional fidelity.
Precise Photomechanics
Photomechanics, or pre-press, is a critical stage in our facsimile production workflow. Here, each detail of the original manuscript is professionally treated and prepared for printing through advanced digital techniques. Our dedication to excellence ensures that every facsimile becomes a work of art in its own right.
Color Correction
We perform precise color adjustments based on the tests printed on-site, ensuring that the hues in the reproduction perfectly match those of the original manuscript.
Gold and Silver Masking
To faithfully replicate metallic elements, we design specific masks for the application of gold and silver accents, preserving the richness and visual depth of the original work.
Review and Verification
Every digital file is carefully reviewed and verified before moving on to the facsimile printing stage, ensuring optimal quality and absolute accuracy.
High Quality Printing
The printing stage is where all the meticulous work of photomechanics becomes a tangible reality. Our advanced facsimile printing process includes:
Stochastic Screening
We use stochastic screening to achieve outstanding resolution, smooth color gradation, and sharp detail—crucial for faithfully reproducing even the most intricate manuscript elements.
Material Selection
We select only the finest papers and inks, carefully matched to the texture and appearance of the original support—be it parchment, laid paper, or mineral-based substrates.
10-Colour Offset Printing
Our state-of-the-art offset presses support up to 10 colours, allowing us to reproduce complex hues and subtle variations with unmatched accuracy in every facsimile reproduction.
Rigorous Quality Control
Every printed sheet is closely inspected during the process to ensure it meets our highest quality standards—before it advances to the binding phase.
Application of Gold and Silver
We understand that faithfully reproducing gold and silver elements is essential to capturing the true essence of historical manuscripts. These metallic details do more than embellish—they reflect the artistry and dedication of medieval craftsmen.
That’s why we have developed advanced techniques to ensure that every facsimile reproduction glows with the same richness, texture, and brilliance as the original. Our commitment to authenticity allows us to preserve not just the visual beauty of illuminated manuscripts, but also their historical and artistic soul.
Ageing and Handmade Bookbinding
The binding of our facsimiles is a true art form, reflecting our dedication to authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality. Once printed, each facsimile is bound by hand by skilled artisans, using handmade bookbinding techniques that ensure the final product mirrors not just the look, but also the feel and durability of the original manuscript.
Traditional Techniques
Our team employs historic binding methods—carefully stitching pages, shaping leather covers, and replicating original structures—to capture the essence of the manuscript as it was centuries ago.
High-Quality Materials
We select only the finest materials, from premium natural and synthetic leathers to strong threads and archival-quality papers. These choices ensure both visual fidelity and long-term preservation.
Attention to Detail
Every facsimile is finished with exquisite care. Embossed covers, metal clasps, decorative elements—each detail is replicated with precision, making every piece a true collector’s treasure.
Finishing Touches of Our Facsimile Production
Each facsimile culminates in a meticulous finishing process designed to preserve its integrity, enhance its value, and celebrate its historical significance.
Protective Bookcase
Every facsimile is housed in an elegant, custom-made slipcase crafted from high-quality materials. These cases are designed to protect the edition from environmental damage and wear, ensuring its preservation over time.
Complementary Study Volume
Each edition is accompanied by a scholarly study book, written by subject-matter experts. These volumes provide rich historical and academic context, offering insights into the manuscript’s origins, creators, and cultural impact—enhancing the collector’s experience and understanding.
Numbering and Notarial Certification
To guarantee authenticity and exclusivity, each copy is individually numbered and accompanied by a formal notarial deed. This certification not only verifies the facsimile’s legitimacy but also elevates it to the level of a unique, collectible artifact.
Get more information
We are committed to excellence at every stage of our process. We work with cultural, academic and publishing institutions to preserve and disseminate the legacy of historic manuscripts and books, offering facsimiles that are true works of art. Contact us to find out more about how we can collaborate on your next project or to receive more information about our work or our facsimiles.
