♻ Solsiden
From a series of 12 blank commonplace books filled with recycled paper.
A commonplace book is a personal compilation of knowledge, ideas, quotations, drawings and observations collected by an individual. It is a notebook or journal where one gathers and organizes information from various sources for future reference and reflection.
The Book
The books within this series of 12 all feature hand printed paper covers inspired by our work and living environment and the textures and materials immediately available to us.
The paper covers on this book are made using a drain cover in my garden as a printing plate.
A sheet of paper is painted with a mix of pigment and wallpaper paste, placed over the drain cover and pressed evenly. The raised areas, under pressure, squish away the paste leaving a mirrored image of the object.
The paper was taken from an old handwritten ledger from the 1800s which is why you can see writing across the sheet.
The spine is tooled in genuine gold leaf, loosely reflecting the pattern of the plate.
The corners are tipped with vellum which helps to protect the most vulnerable part of the book when it's in a bag or being placed on a shelf.
THE PAPER INSIDE
Five Seasons 100% Recycled - This is British-made recycled paper made from 100% recovered fibre.
Initially developed for publishing and printmaking, this paper also works beautifully with most drawing and writing inks, pencils making it a wonderful everyday surface for journals.
THE STRUCTURE
All Properly Made Books are made entirely by hand using superior techniques and materials which allow these books to not only effortlessly lay flat on a surface but also to fold open a full 360 degrees, cover to cover.
This means that the book can be held open with one hand whilst drawing and writing in it with the other.
The VPCo Book Bag
Page Count - 140
ABOUT PROPERLY MADE BOOKS.
Properly Made Books are made over a period of weeks and months. Every Properly Made Book is unique - VPCo never makes the same book twice.
Imagine how a book was made in the 18th century - this is how our books are crafted. They are bound entirely by hand in Scotland to the absolute highest standard using traditional techniques and only the finest quality materials.
Most of the prints used are made in-house using lino, letterpress, paste, Dutch Gilt and stencilling techniques.
All Properly Made Books are LayFlat allowing them to open fully without causing any structual damage and making them completely usable in the field or studio.
Properly Made Books can be found in countless collections around the world including the Met Library in New York City.