By the 1830s, cheaper and more cost-effective methods of creating marbled paper were devised, known as pseudo-marbling. Typically, it involves pigments being dropped into water and manipulated with brushes before a piece of paper is placed on top to absorb the resulting pattern. In the 19th century, marbling became widely popular, and was frequently used in England for decorating book covers, end papers, and even the edges of books. In Turkey, it was practiced in a slightly different style, and known as “ebru.” Most Europeans likely discovered paper marbling through this style, which they might have encountered in Istanbul. Later, in the 15th century, marbling made its way westwards.
Here’s an example of Japanese paper marbling in a 12th century book of poems: Later, in 12th century Japan, early techniques of paper marbling continued to evolve to produce marbled designs. The composition book’s unique marbled pattern was inspired by printing techniques in 10th century China. The story of the composition book begins way before American companies began selling them to students. The books are especially popular in the United States, but where were they first created? And who designed that distinctive marble cover pattern? Despite how widely available the composition book is, it’s strangely difficult to trace its origins. On Fay’s Kickstarter page, he outlines a history of the composition book, showing just how long it’s been around and how surprisingly little the design has changed.
“These notebooks haven’t changed all that much since they came into being centuries ago,” Fay says of the composition book, adding, “They have a 180+ year history of being produced using the most economical manufacturing methods available.” Named comp, Fay’s contemporary composition book reimagines the simple cover with a super minimal, 21st-century look. And Pentagram graphic designer Aron Fay is so obsessed with the bi-chromatic books that he decided to redesign them. Partner Michael Beirut says he’s been using composition books since 1982. Pentagram, a London design studio, is also a fan. They’re not meant for briefcases-they’re meant for the scribblings of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat. It’s the rebellious teenage cousin of the Moleskine. They’re used in books and movies to signal that secrets, mysteries and revelations lie within the pages.
With its classic black and white marbled cover, the composition book is the perfect example of timeless notebook design. In fact, a 200-year-old notebook isn’t that much different from a brand-new one.
#Composition notebook update
As our computers constantly evolve with each update and upgrade, there’s something comforting about how paper notebooks don’t.
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