Drawing from an extensive tradition, our artisans handcraft each By M book-clutch using the original, 16th century techniques of bookbinding, leather colouring, stamping and restoration
These unique skills have been passed down through the generations of skilled, talented Italian bookbinders. By M. remains faithful to the artisanal spirit, while continuing to reinvent the past.
It takes six to eight hours to create one book clutch. Maria personally handpicks the leathers, silks and other fabrics from trusted providers.
Each piece of leather is unique, so each bag we make is unlike any other. Each book-clutch has natural markings, bearing evidence of the unique handmade manufacturing process.
The insides of every book clutch are lined with silk moiré and include a removable pochette, so that you can keep your little treasures nice and neat.
A magnetic closure is smartly concealed within the book’s pages to keep valuables safe.
The traditional values of the guild of bookbinding artisans remain at the forefront of designing every By M. product.
The passion for art, heritage and traditional craftsmanship, attention to detail, patience and pursuit of excellence have remained unchanged over the centuries.
By M. Design is dedicated to achieving excellence for our customers. As a result, each ByM. book is one-of-a-kind.
To this end, we only use the finest leather, Italian silks, parchment and gold leaf technique to create exclusive clutches, just like the traditionally leather-bound books of the past.
Our workshop is housed in a traditional Neapolitan bookbindery located in Palazzo Marigliano, Maria’s historical family home.
Palazzo Marigliano, built in the 15th century, is situated in the historic heart of Naples, on the ancient Via San Biagio dei Librai – which is Italian for “The Street of Book Sellers”.
The city of Naples has a very long tradition in bookbinding. In the 17th century, the town’s flourishing intellectual circles attracted book merchants from all over Europe.
Today, the Palazzo is a national historical monument, recognized as the best sample of Renaissance architecture in Naples. Some of the oldest libraries in Italy lay hidden inside.
