A Byzantine-Inspired Desk Set
This bespoke desk set was commissioned as a gift for His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, presented by the committee of St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Edinburgh.
Drawing inspiration from Byzantine art and tradition, the set blends timeless materials—leather, brass, wood, and gold—with traditional craftsmanship to create a collection designed for both beauty and daily use.
The commission included five pieces:
A traditional leather desk mat – folding design, with space to store sheets of paper beneath.
A leather-dressed pen stand – a wooden cube refined for elegant storage.
A leather-covered note block case – made to hold 90x90mm sheets for quick notes.
A notebook cover – sized for hand-bound jotters, crafted by J.J.&J. Bookbinding and Historical Paper in Edinburgh.
Three leather coasters – completing the set with functional, understated detail.
Each piece was finished with real gold foiling, from the Archbishop’s initials on the desk mat to the decorative details that give the collection its Byzantine character.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
The set was built using traditional hand-stitching methods, solid brass hardware, and full-grain bark-tanned leather. The wooden forms for the pen stand and note block were crafted and dressed by hand, giving the entire collection a sense of continuity and harmony.
The design was carefully considered to embody heritage and reverence, while also serving a practical purpose for daily use. The gold foiling, a technique rooted in both bookbinding and Byzantine iconography, was applied to elevate each piece beyond utility into something symbolic and timeless.
Why Bespoke Matters
This project represents what makes bespoke leatherwork unique: it begins with a story, a purpose, and a client’s vision. No two commissions are the same. Each detail is chosen to reflect the values, heritage, and aesthetics of the person or institution it serves.
For those seeking luxury desk accessories, bespoke leather commissions, or heirloom-quality office pieces, this set demonstrates what can be achieved when traditional craftsmanship meets personal meaning.
Commission Your Own Project
If you are interested in commissioning a bespoke piece—whether it’s a desk set, a briefcase, or a smaller personal item—Aetolus Leather can help bring your vision to life.