I wrote a while back about my obsession with traditional Japanese decorative papers, and mentioned that the one of the best places in the UK to find them is Shepherds Bookbinders/Falkiners Fine Papers in London. Yesterday I finally made it to Shepherds “new” shop in Gillingham Street, near Victoria station – the inverted commas are because it turns out it’s been two years since they moved there from their old premises in Holborn. I can’t believe it’s taken me that long to visit, especially as the new shop is a real joy – spacious, light-filled and lined floor to ceiling with the most delicious papers of all patterns and hues. Plus, of course, beautifully made boxes, gorgeously bound books and journals and book binding materials too. Heaven!
I’d noticed on the Shepherds website (they also have an online shop) that they’ve increased their range of contemporary decorative papers, so I was keen to have a look at these as well as revisit all my old favourites – traditional English and European as well as Japanese decorative papers. (By the way, please do forgive the quality of my photos but I’ve added in some product shots from the Shepherds website that give better detail and colour reproduction).
We recently featured the wonderful designs of Esme Winter, see above, and I also spy in the same box a couple of rolls by another contemporary paper designer whose work I love, Katy Goutefangea. Her papers are printed in London using vegetable inks and recycled paper, and these are two of my favourite patterns:
These slightly psychedelic German papers have a wonderfully soft colour palette and as well as sheet paper there were also the cutest envelopes, pictured below, and some journals. It’s a smooth, heavy paper that apparently works very well for bookbinding.
Beautiful painterly marks are the hallmark of Alice Feger of Dandeliontree, who has her designs printed onto specially commissioned handmade 100% cotton rag paper in India.
Jemma Wilson’s contemporary marbled papers are a wonder and a delight. I recently discovered her work at The New Craftsmen shop, so was delighted to see that Shepherds stock her papers too. Here are just a few:
Jemma was taught by the late Ann Muir, a legendary figure in English marbling, and produces both traditional and more contemporary designs in stunning colours.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little taste of what Shephers has to offer. If you’re in or around London then a visit to the shop won’t disappoint, and if you’re further afield then their online shop is a treasure trove of virtual delights. Either way, it’s hard to resist the wonderful colour, pattern and craftsmanship on offer.
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