Hobonichi Cover V&A Series: Strawberry Thief (A6)
The Hobonichi Techo Cover V&A Series: Strawberry Thief brings one of the most renowned textile patterns in art history to the A6 Techo format. The motif – symmetrically arranged thrushes amongst strawberry plants and flowering vines on deep indigo blue – is by William Morris and was designed in 1883 for Morris & Co. The Hobonichi V&A Collection licenses original designs directly from the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which houses one of the world's most significant Morris collections.
Features
- Licensed original design from the V&A archive: The Strawberry Thief pattern is considered one of the most replicated textile designs of the Arts and Crafts movement. The colour-rich execution on the cover captures the characteristic depth of indigo blue that Morris achieved through the historical indigo discharge printing process.
- Perfect fit for all A6 Techo books: The cover is designed for the A6 format and fits the Hobonichi Techo Original, Avec (both half volumes) and Planner – you can easily swap books while the cover serves as a permanent sleeve.
- Handcrafted with natural variation: Hobonichi covers are made by hand. Slight variations in cutting and finishing are characteristic of this production method and are not quality defects.
- Pen holder: Integrated pen loop for pens up to approximately 13.5 mm in diameter – ideal for slim fountain pens, rollerballs or fine-tip pens. New loops may feel slightly snug at first and will loosen with use.
- Slip pockets: Front and rear card slots for business cards, receipts, bookmarks or postcards.
Use & Tips
- Swapping books with the Avec: If you use the Hobonichi Avec, you can simply insert the second half volume at year's end – the cover fits both volumes. The design remains the same throughout the year.
- Cover on Cover: For extra protection or visual personalisation, you can add a transparent Cover on Cover (for Colours and Print covers with butterfly clasp) – this allows you to display postcards, photos or your own graphics behind the transparent layer.
- Pen recommendations: Slim fountain pens (e.g. TWSBI Eco or Eco-T with fine to medium nibs) and standard-diameter rollerballs fit well in the loop. Wider grip zones or longer clips may feel snug initially.
- Care: Clean printed surfaces with a slightly damp cloth; do not use solvents. Strong direct light may cause colour-intensive designs to fade over time.
For Hobonichi & Design Enthusiasts
William Morris developed the Strawberry Thief pattern from the 1870s onwards and only successfully printed it in 1883 – because the indigo discharge process, which he needed for the precise colour depths, could only be fully mastered after moving to his factory in Merton Abbey. Strawberry Thief was the first pattern in which Morris added alizarin red and weld yellow alongside the indigo base tone – the combination that gives the design its characteristic luminosity. Despite its high price at Morris & Co., the design was amongst the company's most commercially successful fabrics and is today the best-known single motif of the Arts and Crafts movement. The Hobonichi V&A Series makes this very iconic archive design your daily working companion.
Technical Specifications
| Model / Series: | Hobonichi Techo Cover – V&A Series: Strawberry Thief |
| Format: | A6 (compatible with Hobonichi Techo Original, Avec, Planner) |
| Design / Motif: | Strawberry Thief, William Morris (1883), licensed through the Victoria and Albert Museum, London |
| Features: | Pen loop (up to approx. 13.5 mm Ø), front and rear slip pockets |
| Craftsmanship: | Handmade – slight variations possible |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Included: | 1 cover (Techo book not included) |
