Building the world is no mean feat – just ask Peter Bellerby, founder of artisan globemakers Bellerby & Co. Strips of paper known as ‘gores’ dry on lines above desks in his North London studio, and globes of varying sizes at differing stages of production occupy the work surfaces. All are made by hand and feature mesmerising detail, personalised to the client to capture specific moments and memories from their travels and adventures.
“The inspiration came from not being able to find my father anything for his 80th birthday,” says Peter. “After a lifetime of buying him standard gifts – like books and socks and ties – I decided I wanted to get him a globe, but couldn’t find anything that wasn’t either poor quality, cheap and fragile, or an insanely expensive antique.”
So Peter tackled the issue head on, and decided to make one himself; a globe that was both aesthetically beautiful and functional. Keen to keep up the hobby, he then decided to make another for himself. His ‘hobby’, however, spiraled into the successful business it is today – he now has a team of more than 20 people, including cartographers, illustrators, engravers, woodworkers, painters, and makers.