Barrovian Books Launches New Series Combining Traditional Bookmaking and Chicago Artists' Work

Chicago-based Barrovian Books is launching its Artist Series, a collection of limited edition books featuring work from local artists. The studio, which specializes in handmade journals and notebooks, will incorporate original artwork into their signature hand-bound books.

The Artist Series debuts with several distinguished Chicago artists inclulding Audrey Avril, Erin Kae Petty, Margie Griggs, and Emilia Chang. Each artist will create designs to be featured on Barrovian Books’ handmade paper covers. The first Artist Series collection featuring Audrey Avril will be available at the Barrovian Books website from February 3, with more artists featured later this year.

Founded in 2023, Barrovian Books crafts each journal, notebook and sketchbook by hand using traditional bookbinding techniques and recycled materials. The process gives new life to discarded materials, blending environmental responsibility with artistry.

"The inspiration for Barrovian Books came from J. R. R. Tolkien and his friends at King Edward's School in Birmingham who met at the Barrow Stores to share their creative works and encourage each other's imaginations," said Ryan Schwalm, owner and booksmith at Barrovian Books. "I wanted to create that same kind of haven for ideas and imagination today, but away from digital. The Artist Series brings this vision to life, uniting local creative voices in the same spirit that brought Tolkien and his friends together through their Tea Club, Barrovian Society."