A very intriguing collaboration between Hobonichi and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. While the covers and notebooks are gorgeous I am a bit queasy on any western European museums that don't specialize in fine art and have collections full of objects from outside Europe. That's usually because countless artifacts in their collections are there because of European imperialism, looting, slavery, etc. The V&A Museum is no exception, though they have repatriated certain items (such as the Asante gold regalia that is originally from Ghana, though the museum is only loaning it back to Ghana now, which is wack) and they do provide information on the truth of how certain items were stolen though the machinations of British imperialism.
Okay, what the fuck does this have to do with Japanese planners? Nothing directly, I guess, just that this collaboration is with such a museum and for those who prefer not to support establishments that operate like this, this may be a skip irrelevant to the appearance of the collection. I think the collection is amazing but I'd be hesitant to support the V&A Museum. Apparently they also fired many workers during the pandemic instead of retaining them. Boo! Okay, I don't know what exactly I'm getting at here but I guess it's better to know than not.
Many of the featured covers and notebooks use the art of William Morris, who is not only a legendary textile designer, artist, craftsman, and poet but also a socialist and activist! He's a pretty cool guy and immensely skilled as an artist, most famous for his floral textiles. In fact, I had a notebook that I used between 2013 and 2014 that features his Honeysuckle wallpaper print. I was in love with that notebook.
The A6 cover uses the Strawberry Thief print, some adorable thrushes are busy stealing strawberries. The inside textile is also very pretty and I will give V&A a nod for their pleasant logo. The quote reads: "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."
The A5 cover's art is done by a friend of Morris, John Henry Dearle. The back has a different design, the Leicester (pronounced 'Lester', the British are hilarious) print. I actually like the different prints, I think if the spine was a yet another different print it would really bring it all together.
The HON is the star for sure, the canvas-coloured base of the cover with the print over it is gorgeous. And the dark spine really works!
I think my favourite is the Leicester and Wreath Weeks design. It's two great prints and I think the bottom strip in green is the best feature.
I think the Welcome to V&A Weeks is cute but not really for me.
The stationery is pretty great over all, each pen board is perfectly designed. I think if I had to pick a favourite it would be the A5 size.
My favourite is as usual, the sticky notes. These ones are extra special. I love the colours, the design. I'm a little too tempted! Though I wish we could see all five designs.
Very cute stickers and it's pretty fun that they're nearly actual-size, though I don't think that would be very practical for me.
The tote is ugly! I hate houndstooth.
What do you think about this collection? Am I placing a little too much weight on this collaboration or is it warranted (it is to me)? Overall, I think it's a very beautiful series of covers and stationery, mostly due to Morris' exceptional art.
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