‘Throughout the history of civilization the spread of writing has represented one of the major promoting factors of literacy, teaching and permanent formation al all times and in all places. It stirred political maturity and growth within the church environment. The specific contribution of Europe, from ancient times until today is more clearly illustrated by the numerous books and manuscripts kept in libraries, archives and museums. The quantity and quality of technical breakthroughs – in particular the changeover from papyrus and parchment to paper – illustrate the inventive ability and cultural sensitivity of man. The written page remains while the pronounced word disappears in an elusive past. Silence becomes word, paper is covered with signs, human intelligence perceives meanings and images: the transmission of messages begins. This exhibition centres around a specific geographical area: a Continent which accepts traditions widely tested elsewhere, a nation which feeds on thousands of years of classical and later Christian experience and finally, a region and a town: Fabriano. The civilization of work interprets the civilization of encounter, achieved in the writing room and workshops, in the monasteries, and factories, increasing the capacity to teach and reflect, social development and moral references. The exhibition offers the public a chance to understand the development of Fabriano and the local paper working industry. Photos and documents illustrate environments and instruments associated with paper making, besides the civil and social context of “monastic feudalism” which tended to offer the tenant farmers alternative occupations as craftsmen in small rural activities. A special section will centre on the introduction of paper from the East by the Arabs (“the paper road”). During the Meeting there will be an encounter with the organizer D. Réginald Grégoire.’