Christian Scipioni Memorial Collection

Introducing the Christian Scipioni Memorial Collection of Fritz and Trudi Eberhardt Bookbindings and Ephemera.

In memory of Christian Scipioni, Special Collections Assistant, who died suddenly on Feb. 18, 2022, the Weinberg Memorial Library has established the Christian Scipioni Memorial Collection of Fritz and Trudi Eberhardt Bookbindings and Ephemera. The collection will be housed in the Library’s McHugh Family Special Collections.

Christian joined the University’s staff in 2018 and quickly became an integral part of the McHugh Family Special Collections and The University of Scranton Archives. His dedication to preserving and sharing the Library’s rare manuscripts, documents, and texts was matched only by his enthusiasm for engaging the University community. As an active member of the Library’s Communication and Outreach Committee, Christian frequently drew upon the Special Collections to create content for the Library’s social media accounts. Notably, he led the creation of the Library’s annual Christmas card, pulling inspiration from the Library’s Special Collections.

The decision to focus the memorial collection on the work of Fritz and Trudi Eberhardt reflects Christian’s appreciation for craftsmanship and historical preservation. Fritz Eberhardt (1917–1997) and Trudi Eberhardt (1921–2004) were renowned bookbinders who met in post-World War II Germany before emigrating to Pennsylvania in the early 1950s. Fritz, regarded as one of the finest bookbinders of his generation, and Trudi, also a skilled bookbinder, expanded their creative pursuits to include papermaking, calligraphy, and block printing.

The Library’s initial acquisitions for the memorial collection include calligraphy pieces, marbled paper, correspondence, and two bound books created by the Eberhardts. This collection not only highlights the artistry of the Eberhardts but also honors their connection to the Library’s Special Collections through their student, Don Rash. A bookbinder and printer based in Plains, Pennsylvania, Don studied with the Eberhardts for six years and has repaired numerous rare books in the Library’s collection. In Spring 2016, the Library hosted an exhibit of Don’s bookbindings and prints in the Heritage Room, further showcasing this meaningful collection.

The Library plans to expand the Christian Scipioni Memorial Collection by acquiring additional works by the Eberhardts in the future. This collection is a fitting tribute to Christian’s legacy, honoring his commitment to preserving history and inspiring others to appreciate the enduring beauty of craftsmanship.

In a particularly meaningful gesture, the Library’s 2024 Christmas card utilized designs from the Eberhardts’ personal Christmas cards. Featuring a drawing of chickadees in a Christmas tree alongside a calligraphed message of peace in the New Year, this design beautifully reflects Christian’s spirit and dedication to his work.

— Professor Michael Knies Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist & George Aulisio, Ph.D., Dean of the Library