Paperblanks’ New Spring 2012 Collection

Spring is around the corner and we’re pleased to spotlight the newest books added to the Paperblanks catalogue. The new additions include a new Rose-themed collection, two new artists in the Embellished Manuscripts collection, and older designs available in new formats.

New Collection: Rose Garden

About this collection: Ah, the rose. The flower most storied and maligned. Our rose garden covers are inspired by miniature lacquer paintings that adorned fine books in 16th-century Persia. The originals were celebrations of the luxury and refinement of Persian life and culture.

Our revival of these ancient covers depicts roses primed on a gold base, surrounded by smaller flowers such as might have been found in the botanical gardens of the Persian court. In a more regal presentation such as “Glowing Rose,” the rose takes her rightful place as the focal point. She is surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting: poppies, carnations, dogwood and tulips, and her nobility and pride draw the eye. In contrast, “Wild Rose” is a modest and stylised depiction of her beauty, subtly enhanced by the play of light and shadow.

To find out other details about this collection, including format- and interior-related information, go to our Rose Garden products page here.

New Titles: Embellished Manuscripts Collection

The two newest artists added to our Embellished Manuscripts Collection are Michelangelo and Saint-Exupéry.

About this collection: To inspire the writer, these unique journals portray the work of some of the greatest writers, thinkers and artists of all time. These reproductions of excerpts from original manuscripts, letters, scores and drawings provide a glimpse into the creative process of figures such as William Shakespeare, Sigmund Freud and Vincent van Gogh.

Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand and Stars

Shown on our cover is a page from Saint-Exupéry’s original manuscript for Wind, Sand and Stars, a classic in aviation adventure tales. Relevantly, Saint-Exupéry disappeared on a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean while flying for the Free French Forces in July, 1944. What exactly happened to him remains a mystery to this day.

Michelangelo, Handwriting

The letter depicted on this journal, written in Michelanglo’s own hand, demonstrates with every stroke of the pen the refinement and passion of one of the greatest artists humanity has produced.

New Title: Silver Filigree Collection

A new design, entitled “Shadow”, has been added to this collection. This design is available in the Mini format with premium features (metal clasp, ornamental edge printing, etc.), in the new Mini Reporter format (see the following section), and in an additional “classic” Mini format (sans premium features).

About the collection: Intricacy and delicacy combine with repetition to create this silvered meditation on the nature of beauty. The word “filigree” derives from the Latin words “filum” for thread and “granum” for seed. The filigree pattern adorning our cover was originally designed and handcrafted in Germany circa 1800. To achieve the gilded and polished motif, a base layer of silver sheets was first die cut, and elaborate grooves were then meticulously etched into its surface.

The art of filigree is a moving testament to the human drive to ornament in order to delight the eye and the spirit. One can imagine a magistrate in ancient times carrying such a book and using it to keep a record of matters of state as easily as one can see it in pride of place on a well-appointed contemporary desk.

To find out what other designs are available in this collection, and other details, go to our Silver Filigree products page here.

Four New Designs: Mini Reporter Format

Four designs have been added to our new Mini Reporter format, including designs from our Silver Filigree, Leonardo’s Sketches, William Morris, and Embellished Manuscripts collections.

About this format: This format is designed for the ramblers and the rovers; for students, travelers, journalists and note-taking enthusiasts.  For those who often find themselves scribbling on loose paper or whatever else is on hand as a place to set down stray and inspired thoughts, our Reporter journals are the perfect notebooks to carry everywhere. The same size as our Mini format journals, our Reporters can easily slip into a back pocket or coat pocket, or a small purse or handbag.

To find out what other designs are available in this format, or what interior formats each of these books are available in, go to our Mini Reporter products page here.

New Format: Mucha Collection

Four designs in this collection are now available in the Mini format, including Tiger Lily, Papaver, Winter Child, and Autumn Maiden.

About the collection: The muted and complex palette of pastel colours and the sensuous, sinuous lines of Alphonse Mucha’s work
heralded a novel moment in art history. In works notable for their youthful energy and simplified draftsmanship, Mucha (1860–1939) helped to turn the conventional art world upside down.

After years of toiling in obscurity, in 1895 the impoverished young Czech became an overnight sensation in Paris by creating a poster for a play starring Sarah Bernhardt, the most famous actress of the period. Before long, “le style Mucha” – later known as the Art Nouveau movement – was the term used to describe the new spirit transforming the city. Mucha’s commitment, however, was not just to the “nouveau,” but to the larger human project: a celebration of the creative spirit.

To find out what other designs are available in this collection, and other details, go to our Mucha products page here.

Find & Buy Paperblanks

Interested in buying any of these new titles or any other Paperblanks writing journals? Use our Store Finder to find retailers in your area or online retailers who can ship to your location. Find it by clicking here or by going to paperblanks.com/stores!