PrivatAir | Winter 2014

Check out the feature on Peter Bellerby in the PrivatAir Winter 2014 magazine, available online and for download here. Photography by Andrew Montgomery.

Our Celestial Globes these days linked here.

Our Desk Globe Collectons in all colours these days (linked)

Our Curve there days (linked)

Peter Bellerby and his team of master artisans at Bellerby & Co Globemakers create some of the most exquisite handcrafted globes that are truly one-of-kind masterpieces.

The concept of the Earth as a sphere has been around for centuries. Initially emerging around the six century BC at the time of Pythagoras and later become official thanks to Plato and Aristotle. However, the first record of an actual globe can be found in a verse written by Greek didactic poet, Aratus (d. 240 BC) who describes a celestial sphere of stars. Greek philosopher Crates of Mallus made the first known globe, and since then, globes have served as a learning tool, part map, part instrument, part décor, and part fine art. Twenty-first-century technology has eliminated the need for the device as a learning tool, and many companies have stopped its production. Antique globes have become a collector’s item showing up in some of the most significant private collections, and finding a new quality globe is rare. Hence, the magical world of wizardry and artistry that has become Bellerby & Co Globemakers.

Based in Stoke Newington, London, England, and founded by Peter Bellerby in 2008, the award-winning Bellerby & Co have curated globes for prestigious collections and personalities worldwide as well as made an appearance in numerous TV and film productions, including Hugo (2011). Starting with a two-year search for a globe for his father’s 80th birthday present, Peter finally latched firmly onto the notion of deciding to create his own bespoke one. The rest is history. Since then, their accomplishments have kept rolling in, recently completing “The Churchill” 127cm diameter globe in entirely Arabic and being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

According to Customer Relations Specialist, Jade Aura Fenster, Bellerby & Co globes can be found in various private collections, of which cannot be named for privacy reasons. Just to give a hint, a former US head of state proudly owns one. “Our globes have gone far and wide – Papeete, Cambodia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and one was even taken up to an Arctic station. We get surprising and interesting addresses coming through on orders all the time,” Jade tells us.

That is why the prestige of owning a Bellerby & Co Globe is a prerequisite for all art collectors and interior enthusiasts. There is no need to make a clear distinction between functionality and decorative appeal. Globes are synonymous with celestial intrigue because they are crafted as if you are looking at Earth from space itself. From the globe molds through to goring the map, there is meticulous precision that goes far beyond artistic finesse, but rather it’s applied with scientific aptitude.

Made to order, made to perfection…

Every piece of art should resonate with the buyer, etching a lasting impression on both their imagination and emotions. Each one of a kind globe emanates from one of the many collections on offer. A highly expert team of in-studio cartographers, graphic designers, and illustrators help assemble the jigsaw of creativity within the mind of the buyer, with the inception of the globe curated with a deep devotion to their intimate idiosyncrasies. Their vision, choice of color and the highest quality materials will be made. Some of the materials that they use are durable plaster, resins, grp, solid brass, Schminke color pigments, PH neutral glue, and sustainable wood.

Envisage your globe, drenched in soft sepia pigment, balancing harmoniously on an enduring polished brass stand. Each disseminated through at least five different pairs of skillful hands and undergoes scrupulous inspection. Each one of their artists undergoes strict training for a minimum of six months to firmly grasp this delicate and esteemed craft, and that is just to make the smallest size globes. The craftsmen that work on the larger sizes have at least three years of training under their belts.

Their small North London studio, hides a labyrinth of artistic nooks and crannies, reviving a lost art in the most inspired way. It is highly exclusive and creative space, where each artist works their magic and complete the tender process of designing, cutting, painting, and varnishing, every step highlights a new specific skill set. The wood-working and metal-working studio designs and creates the bases of all sizes using various woods, finishes, and metals. The globes are designed to sit on ball bearings or within a brass meridian where they can safely be spun. The studio is not currently open to the public, any visitors are by appointment only, and every piece is uniquely designed under the most confidential setting.

Each commission that Bellerby & Co work on is a conglomeration of new ideas and interpretations. “We have recently completed globe themed on the Silk Road – full of large detailed illustrations and historical facts,” says Jade. “We are collaborating with Hirsch, a Mayfair jeweler. You can also see limited collaborations in Harrods and Linley in Belgravia. We are finalizing details with a fashion house on a collaboration – but very early days.”

Moon Rising…

The moon symbolizes the cycles of life’s regeneration, instinct, power, and equilibrium, so it’s no surprise that the masters of globe making would delve deeper into the marvels of astronomy. Their Moon Globe has been launched since the end of 2019 and is an undeniable collector’s piece. The distinguished Moon Globe exhibits the precise detailing of the dimensions and geographical areas of the moon. Their astronomical geneses are forever growing, with a celestial collection that pays homage to a universe of spellbinding constellations.

A divine interior addition suited to every interior design, each globe is a fusion of style meets substance, exploding in the most luminous ways. The scientific elements behind every globe’s design will add function to an office and bold expression to any living quarters. In a tradition as old as time, the hallmark of excellence now proudly sits with the divine, Bellerby & Co Globemakers.

Bellerby & Co Globemakers are taking orders for November 2020 delivery, just in time for the Holidays. “The Churchill” globes are limited edition of only 40. The company only produces two per year and is now accepting commissions for 2021 – 2022, so if you are seeking a bespoke present for yourself or family members, you need to get the process started as soon as possible.

Bellerby & Co Globemakers, London

Modern and traditional bespoke globes, handcrafted and hand painted bespoke to order.

We ship worldwide from our London studio.

Each globe is one of a kind and can be personalised. We will work with you to finalise your choice of colouring, base style, base material and finish, and through the many options of customisation and personalisation.

Sizing from 12cm to 127cm diameter, desktop / tabletop and floor standing globes. Terrestrial and celestial.