1921

This archival, hand-sewn journal/sketchbook is made from 80 gsm Mohawk Superfine archival paper stitched with Irish linen thread in the linked pattern that dates back to the ancient Copts. This stitch allows the book to lay open easily at any page.

 This book’s endbands are red and yellow cotton, and its bookmark is red satin ribbon.  Its spine is covered in red Dubletta cloth from the Netherlands, and its boards are wrapped in paper that was hand-marbled by Regina and Daniel St. John at Chena River Marblers in Amherst, MA.

 Treasure binding began with monks in the 6^th Century who would encrust volumes with jewels. During the Renaissance, there was a resurgence in treasure binding. This is a contemporary revival of the treasure binding in which a lucky charm has been embedded in the cover of this book.  

 The talisman in this journal is a 1921, 20 centime coin from France.  The first public radio broadcast was sent out from the top of the Eifel Tower in 1921; Europe was slowly recovering from World War I, and Berkeley defeated Ohio State in the Rosebowl.  There’s always something to celebrate.

This book is roughly 6 x 9” with more than 150 blank pages.