British Isles

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 was developed by the ancient Copts. This stitch allows the book to lay open easily at any page.

 This book’s endbands are green and yellow cotton, and its bookmark is green satin ribbon.  Its spine is covered in Brillianta cloth from the Netherlands and its boards are wrapped in a 1949 map of Europe and the British Isles.

 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 an 1864 British penny featuring the likeness of Queen Victoria.  She ruled for more than 60 years.  Her death in 1901 marked the end of the eponymous Victorian Era. Queen Victoria was artistic; she loved painting and singing and going to the opera.

This book is approximately 6 x 9” with a few more than 150 blank pages.