What makes an original authentic? What role do faithful reproductions play in preserving historical works? And what added value do facsimiles offer compared with digital reproductions?
These are some of the questions addressed at the event “Echt?! – oder doch unecht? Vom Zauber der Faksimiles” (Authentic or Not? The Fascination of Facsimiles), taking place on 18 November 2026 at the Gutenberg Museum Library in Mainz, Germany. The event will explore the fascinating world of facsimiles and their significance in providing access to valuable historical manuscripts and important examples of the art of the book.
Charlotte Kramer as an Expert on the Panel
We are particularly pleased that Charlotte Kramer, CEO of Universal Art Group and publisher of Verlag Müller & Schindler and Faksimile Verlag, will be participating in the panel discussion. Together with other experts, she will draw on her many years of experience in the production and communication of high-quality facsimile editions.
As faithful reproductions, facsimiles allow historical originals to be explored in depth without exposing them to the risks associated with frequent handling. They bring works of outstanding art-historical and cultural significance to life in all their material and artistic richness – from the vibrant colours of their miniatures and the texture of the parchment to the finest details of their illumination.
In an increasingly digital world, this also raises the question of how traditional reproduction methods and modern technologies can complement one another. While digital imaging opens up new possibilities for academic research and worldwide accessibility, high-quality facsimiles preserve the unique tactile and visual experience of a historical book.
Facsimiles – Books for Eternity
Our first podcast series, “Bücher für die Ewigkeit” (Books for Eternity), also explores the subject of facsimiles in depth and examines their importance in preserving our cultural heritage.
In the podcast episodes, Charlotte Kramer offers insights into the world of facsimile production, explains the distinctive qualities of these high-quality reproductions and discusses why they continue to play an important role in the digital age. Topics include traditional craftsmanship, publishing expertise and the question of how valuable historical works can be preserved and made accessible to future generations.
Discover our podcast series “Bücher für die Ewigkeit” and learn more about the fascinating world of facsimiles.
Discover our podcasts
Preserving Cultural Heritage and Making It Accessible
Through its member companies, Universal Art Group brings together many years of publishing experience, traditional book arts and innovative digital technologies. Preserving and communicating significant works of art and cultural heritage lies at the heart of everything we do.
The event in Mainz offers a valuable opportunity to bring together different perspectives on originals, reproductions and digitisation, and to discuss the future of communicating our cultural heritage.
Event Details
Echt?! – oder doch unecht? Vom Zauber der Faksimiles
The event will be held in German.
- Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026
- Time: 6.00–8.00 pm
- Venue: Gutenberg Museum Library, Mainz, Germany
Organisers:
Gutenberg Museum | Gutenberg Society | Gutenberg Foundation | Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz – Book Studies | Academy of the Diocese of Mainz
Further information about the event can be found on the website of the Academy of the Diocese of Mainz:
Further information about the event
