Globes: Is there room — or a room — available for them to exist in our modern world?

You know… our modern world where technology is constantly replacing what was once a common item, in favor of something you use perhaps more effectively on a computer screen, as an app, or even integrated in to your car? Can an object that has seemingly been replaced by technology, survive in the times we live in today?

Yes. Not only can it survive, but it can thrive, and be desired and beloved by many. (Yes, even by our kids).

Recently, I came across a company that hand crafts the most beautiful globes you’ve ever seen.

Their work is of such quality that in addition to existing as collectible objects they also must be appreciated as fine art.

Much like a coffee table book, a beautiful globe invites you to touch, to peruse, to marvel, a little bit, at our existence and how we fit into this vast world; and no technology that exists today gives reason to turn down that sensational invitation.

Bellerby & Co . — check them out. They were founded in 2008, in the midst of the recession, immediately after the birth of the iPhone.

We do appreciate hand crafted, artisanal work. There is always a market for that.

Here's a look at their handcrafted quality.

Bellerby Globemakers | Photographer: Kasia Bobula

Bellerby Globemakers | Euan Myles, Photographer

Bellerby Globemakers | Photographer: Toby Essex CliQQ Studios Isis

Bellerby Globemakers | Jade Fenster, Photographer

Interview with Peter Bellerby, Globemaker

Here’s an excerpt from an interview with Peter Bellerby, the owner of this company.

How do you work with clients to personalise their globes?

We talk them through the process and work one on one via email and phone or in person. We then create mock ups for them to see and feedback on the ideas they had as they take shape on the map.

What have been your most unusual commissions?

We keep a lot private as you can imagine. It’s always interesting to see the ideas clients come up with - favourite memories from their travels, their family history of movement around the world - We had a customer who proposed with a globe instead of a ring. We’ve had a few globes with well over 100 illustrations. We had a band who has been touring for 40 years trace every travel route they had taken from their hometown to around the world. We’ve had commissions from heads of state, secretive organisations, Hollywood actors, all sorts so it’s been fun.

How about the strangest personal visual additions?

The best stories are the ones which will remain within our company - we always respect the privacy of our customers and also want each globe that has something really personal to remain personal and unique to that globe. On our blog you will see the more examples like wonders of the world, ships and animals but anything and everything is possible!

Where do your customers come from?

All around the world. We have shipped to Papeete, throughout South America, Asia, Africa, North America of course, Canada, Europe. Most people find us through word of mouth as we do no advertising which is amazing.