British Library launches brand new range of stationery based on its Olga Hirsch Collection
The stationery is available in the British Library Shop or online
If you are searching for a unique gift for the person who has everything, the British Library has for the first time launched a range of beautiful stationery and bags based on its own collection items. The Hirsch Collection of stationery, available for purchase in the British Library Shop, is based on Olga Hirsch's collection of lovely decorated papers bequeathed in 1968.
Of the 3,500 sheets of paper and approximately 130 books in paper wrappers and decorated endpapers, the first pattern selected for the range is a 19th century Japanese block print. Available from October 2 at the Bookshop or online shop, the range includes journals; address books; memo boxes; notebooks; pencil boxes, travel photo albums; bags and more, with prices ranging from £6.99 to £14.99.
Olga was married to Paul Hirsch (1881 - 1951), a German industrialist, musician and music collector, who was responsible for the Hirsch collection of the British Library. After her marriage in 1911, Olga's training as a bookbinder ensured that her husband's music library was kept in good repair. Her collection of decorated papers grew from the need to match the paper for the end-leaves and wrappers of the music books.
Philippa Marks, Curator of Bookbindings, British & Early Printed Collections, British Library, said, "The Olga Hirsch collection has universal appeal and is astonishing in its breadth. Drawing from this collection to create a line of stationery makes the items instant classics."
Historically, decorated papers were used in autograph books, as backing for playing cards, linings in wardrobes, caskets or chests, wrapping material and wallpapers. From the 16th century, the most common use for these papers was in the book trade where they were used as end-leaves or as a cost effective, quick binding on pamphlets, dissertations and music scores. Various techniques of decorating paper are represented within the unique collection, including spraying, embossing and block printing.
The Hirschs moved to Cambridge from Frankfurt in Germany in 1936 taking their collections with them. Olga Hirsch eventually became one of the foremost authorities on decorated papers and her collection stands as one of the most comprehensive of its kind.
For further information and for images of the Olga Hirsh Stationery Collection, contact Anne Marie Todaro at the British Library Press Office: +44 (0)20 7412 7112 or annemarie.todaro@bl.uk
Notes to Editors:
1. The British Library is the national Library of the United Kingdom. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. Further information is available on the Library's website at www.bl.uk
2. The Olga Hirsch range of stationery includes:
Daisy Design Hirsch Everyday Journal - £6.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Magnetic Journal - £7.99
Daisy Design Hirsch travel Photo Album - £2.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Desk Journal - £8.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Refill Address Book - £7.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Desk Address Book - £6.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Pencil Box - £5.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Memo Box- £3.99
Daisy Design Hirsch Stationery Cabinet - £12.99
Olga Hirsch Bag- £14.99
3. For more information on Olga Hirsch stationery please visit: http://www.bl.uk/acatalog/index.html