An Extraordinary Week of Art, History, and Encounters
From 12 to 19 June 2025, the Universal Art Group spent an inspiring week in Paris – filled with special moments, meaningful conversations, and remarkable discoveries. The week began with our very first participation in the renowned Salon International du Livre rare et des Arts Graphiques (SLAM 2025). This was followed by an exclusive press trip with 15 international journalists to Chantilly and the Bibliothèque nationale de France – a cultural experience of the highest calibre.
SLAM 2025 – A Grand Debut in the Heart of Paris
Universal Art Group at the Salon International du Livre Rare
For the first time, the Universal Art Group took part in SLAM – with its own stand (A3) at the beautiful Carreau du Temple in Paris. From 13 to 15 June, we showcased a curated selection of masterfully produced facsimile editions, rare bibliophilic treasures, and high-quality art reproductions.
The Salon International du Livre rare et des Arts Graphiques is much more than a fair. It is a cultural event that celebrates Europe’s written heritage and brings together collectors, librarians, art experts, and book lovers from around the world.
Highlight in Chantilly – The “Mona Lisa” of Manuscripts
An Exclusive Press Trip with Unprecedented Access
Following the fair, we embarked on a unique press trip to Chantilly, organised in cooperation with Panini Cultura. In the historic Salon du Roi of the Musée Condé, we were warmly welcomed by Mathieu Deldicque (Museum Director and Conservateur en chef du patrimoine) and Marie-Pierre Dion (Chief Curator of the Library).
At this prestigious venue, we proudly presented our forthcoming facsimile edition of the “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry”, one of the most celebrated books of hours in the history of art. Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa” of illuminated manuscripts, this masterpiece is a true milestone in book painting.
Charlotte Kramer, publisher of Müller & Schindler and Faksimile Verlag, introduced the facsimile project, which is being realised in collaboration with Lucia Panini of Gruppo Panini Cultura and is set to be released later this year.
The “Très Riches Heures” Exhibition – A Rare View of the Calendar Pages
After the presentation, we were invited to a private tour of the special exhibition dedicated to the Très Riches Heures, personally guided by Museum Director Mathieu Deldicque. Uniquely, during the ongoing restoration, the famous calendar pages of the manuscript have been temporarily disbound – and can now be viewed individually behind glass, but only for a short period.
Every 15 days, a new double page is displayed. This extraordinary exhibition allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the iconographic and chromatic splendour of the manuscript – an experience that felt like a revelation, even for seasoned connoisseurs of book art.
Charlotte Kramer, publisher of Müller & Schindler and Faksimile Verlag, is also involved as a patron of the arts: She is actively supporting the manuscript’s restoration by sponsoring the month of April – a meaningful contribution to preserving this exceptional cultural treasure.
This exhibition is, in every sense, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Never before – and likely never again – will it be possible to view the Très Riches Heures in this way. It was a deeply moving experience, even for experts, and one that all visitors will remember forever.
“To be able to present the Très Riches Heures in this form – and to support its restoration – is a deeply meaningful moment for me, both as a publisher and as an art lover. This manuscript is more than a masterpiece of book illumination: it is a cultural treasure that deserves to be seen, studied, and preserved for future generations.”
– Charlotte Kramer, Publisher of Müller & Schindler and Faksimile Verlag
Château, Library, and Étienne Chevalier – An Old Acquaintance
After an exquisite lunch at the restaurant La Capitainerie, we explored the magnificent Château de Chantilly. Particularly impressive was the historic library – one of France’s most significant collections of medieval book art.
One highlight is the Hours of Étienne Chevalier by Jean Fouquet, preserved in Chantilly. The miniatures of this extraordinary manuscript are scattered across institutions worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the British Museum in London.
Thanks to the elaborately produced facsimile edition published by Müller & Schindler, all known leaves of this fragmented masterpiece have been reunited in a single volume. This not only allows a full experience of a major work of French Renaissance art but also symbolically restores a sense of cultural unity – a perfect example of the value and relevance of modern facsimile publishing.
Behind the Scenes: The BnF Site Richelieu
The following day, our journey took us to the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), Site Richelieu, where we were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the library’s digitisation processes. We had the rare opportunity to witness the scanning of a medieval manuscript using cutting-edge technology – a vital step in preserving such treasures for future generations.
A particular highlight was the expert guidance of Prof. Dr Eberhard König, one of the world’s leading scholars in the field of medieval and Renaissance book illumination. His academic focus lies on the book painting of the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods, with a special emphasis on French manuscript art around 1450 – precisely the era in which the Très Riches Heures was created.
During the BnF tour, Prof. König generously shared his in-depth knowledge – not only about the Très Riches Heures but also about other precious manuscripts and the broader cultural context of the time. His insightful commentary made this visit both intellectually enriching and emotionally memorable – a scholarly highlight of our journey.
A Memorable Conclusion
Over a convivial lunch in a traditional French brasserie, we reflected on this intense and rewarding week. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our fellow travellers, partners, supporters, and organisers. It was an unforgettable time full of inspiration, exchange, and excitement for what lies ahead.
Looking Ahead: The Facsimile of the “Très Riches Heures”
We now look forward with great anticipation to autumn 2025: The facsimile edition of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, produced by Faksimile Verlag in collaboration with Panini Cultura, will be released – a milestone in our publishing history and a cultural event of international significance.
Stay tuned – we’ll keep you updated!
