letterlock

Letter Locked and Loaded!

“Letter writing is probably the most beautiful manifestation in human relations; in fact, it is its finest residue.”

John Graham to his third wife, neither Elinor 7 July 1958

September is here; are you yearning to learn? As a student of history and lover of all things relating to paper, I was delighted to find a field that connects both: Letter locking.

All good studies start with a definition: Letter locking refers to the practice of folding a letter to become its own envelope, contents secure from prying eyes save for the intended recipient.  The history of this practice is deep, about 10,000 years!

Think court intrigues and passionate letters between secret lovers and you understand the need for security and authenticity. The methods of securing the letters are as mesmerizing as origami and heighten the value of the message contained. My first exposure to this technology was accidental. Intrigued by a social media post, I was soon watching skilled hands gracefully folding a heavy piece of paper. Some carefully placed cuts with a knife, a dab of sealing wax, and a firm press of monogrammed seal created a treasure ready to be slipped into the brocade sleeve of a trusted messenger to deliver to a waiting recipient. Just imagine how exciting it is to receive a letter so carefully presented!

The acknowledged authority in this unique field is Jana Dambrogio and I urge you to explore her web page for inspiration. At a time of year when we are open to new adventures, perhaps you will fall under the ancient spell of Letter locking.

Dreaming of your own personal letter pressed stationery? Contact us at timeless@refinemark.com for our elegant custom program options.

Since the National Stationery Show in May we have made many new retail friends!  Now you have even more opportunities to discover our products close up and take up your pens!

Portrait detail: Merchant Georg Gisze by Hans Holbein the Younger
The Artworks
101B Edmonton City Centre
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Y8

Charals Luxury Goods and Accessories
171 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2A8

Eco Denizen
999 Peachtree Street NE Ste. 180
Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Frame Up
1920 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC V8R 1C7

Kew Authorized News Agency
175 High Street Kew
Melbourne, Australia 3101

The Hive Design
127 West Main Avenue
Gastonia, North Carolina 28052

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25 Bellair Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5R 3L3

Madison & PAGE
+15 Level Fifth Avenue Place
230, 425 First Street SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3L8

McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012

Museum of Art and Design
2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019

The Papery
669 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8W 1G6

Phidon Pens
63 Dickson Street
Cambridge, Ontario, N1R 7A5

Pulp & Paperie
1042 Coxwell Avenue
Toronto, ON M4J 2W9

St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
5 Highland Park Village
Dallas, Texas 75205

Stylus Fine Pens + Desk Accessories Inc.
10538 -102 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3P3

Toronto’s First Post Office
260 Adelaide St E
Toronto, ON M5A 1N1

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