Journal - Paperblanks - Vault of Milan Cathedral - Hardcover - Lined - Ultra

More about this Design - from Paperblanks

"With its intricate flying buttresses and ornate religious sculptures, the Duomo di Milano represents the pinnacle of Italian Gothic architecture. Telling a story of faith and art that spans centuries, the cathedral is truly a must-see among the many sights to visit in the city of Milan.

Construction for the Duomo began in 1386. It became a central location for lively discussions of creative ideas, as architects, spiritual leaders and trade workers shared ideas and inspirations for the cathedral’s design. In the end, hundreds of designers contributed their visions, the result being an entirely unique piece of architecture that merges influences from across the centuries.

In the 19th century there were many architects, each with their own unique vision, who submitted design proposals for the cathedral’s latest renovations. For this Duomo di Milano release, we looked to a series of architectural drawings proposed by Paolo Cesa Bianchi (1840–1920) for the decoration of the interior vaults. In 1881, Cesa Bianchi was named the engineer-architect of the Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, a position he held until 1912. This submission by Cesa Bianchi centres around the use of arabesques, which create a sense of a faux relief arborescence over a golden background. The upward facing arrangement symbolizes a closeness to heaven.

The proposals of architects like Cesa Bianchi are now carefully preserved in the Archive of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, an organization that has been safeguarding and restoring the Duomo di Milano since 1387. Thanks to their work preserving the history of the cathedral, we can discover the unfinished works and inspirations of architects both past and present, and imagine the various versions of the cathedral that were never completed. We are honoured to partner with Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano to bring this example of sublime architectural vision to new eyes."

Other Features:

100% recycled binder boards

Decorative printed cover paper

FSC-certified text paper

Threaded stitching and glue, as needed

Acid-free, sustainable forest paper.

Interested in how this collaboration developed? Read on ..

A NEW RELATIONSHIP

The Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) tells a story of faith and artistic expression that spans the centuries. With dizzyingly spires and ornate sculptural decorations, its instantly recognizable façade represents a unique and peculiar style.

Our Duomo di Milano Collection is a special release in partnership with Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, an institution that has been safeguarding and restoring the Duomo for more than 630 years.

“The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano is the historic body responsible for the conservation and enhancement of the Cathedral. Established in 1387 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, for the design and construction of the monument, it has been working for over 630 years in the conservation and restoration of the Cathedral, in the activity of custody and service to the liturgical activity and in the enhancement of its assets, providing for the procurement of the resources necessary for its maintenance.” – Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano

WORKING TOGETHER

The concept for this collaborative collection came directly from our Italian market, with our internal sales team relishing the opportunity to work with such an important institution. It was a natural fit for both our brand and for the mission of Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, as these products offer an opportunity for architecture lovers from around the world to take home a piece of Milanese history.

“Both the city and the Duomo attract a lot of tourists from all around the world – this collaboration means that while visitors to the city can pick up a fine accessory to remember their travels by, they can also discover Paperblanks and take this discovery back home. As for the loyal fans of our brand, they are accustomed to Paperblanks designs that feature and celebrate material culture of different countries, including architecture. So, this collaborative project should feel to them like a fairly natural development, and the only surprise they hopefully will experience is of a pleasant kind – where Paperblanks manages yet again to surpass their expectations.” – Olessia Makarenia, Licensing Manager

THE FUTURE

There is endless creative inspiration to be found within the history of the Duomo, and this marks just the beginning of our partnership. It is an honour to work together to bring this example of sublime architectural vision to new eyes.