AGID+MARCIN

Limited-edition art book and custom-made box set

For an architectural project, Atelier Bulk created an art book complete with a custom-made presentation box, in collaboration with the AGID+MARCIN studio.

Produced in a limited edition of just 30 copies, each hand-numbered, this book was conceived as a unique editorial object in its own right. The project combines printing, bookbinding, edge-gilding, hot stamping, and the creation of a fully custom-made slipcase. With the exception of the printing and hot-stamping, which were done by machine, the entire book and its slipcase were crafted and assembled by hand in our workshops.

A hardcover bound in Marais canvas

The book features a hardcover bound in unbleached Marais canvas. This fabric gives the book a simple, natural look while adding a significant tactile dimension to the object.

On the cover, a glossy white hot-stamped design contrasts with the texture of the canvas.

When opened, the color palette evolves, featuring an inner lining made of paper dyed throughout in “Racing Green“—a deep green that also appears in several design details of the book and its slipcase.

96 pages printed on Fedrigoni Arena Rough Natural

The interior consists of 96 pages printed on Fedrigoni Arena Rough Natural. The slightly textured surface and natural color of this paper were chosen to complement the book’s artistic direction and photographs.

The book was printed using HP Indigo technology, which is particularly well-suited to this edition of just 30 copies and ensures a high degree of precision in the reproduction of images and graphic details.

A Swiss-style binding with visible stitching

The book features a Swiss-style binding, revealing the book’s construction and stitching along the side of the inner block.

The thread was chosen in a dark green shade, echoing the Racing Green paper used for the endpapers. This binding also allows the book to lie flat and is an integral part of its design.

The bookbinding and assembly were done by hand in our workshops. Elements that are usually considered purely technical—stitching, the spine, endpapers, or the cover structure—become integral parts of the design here.

A book box set made entirely by hand

The book comes with a presentation box designed specifically for this project. The box is made from the same materials as the book to create a cohesive set.

The exterior is entirely hand-trimmed with unbleached Marais canvas and also features a glossy white hot-stamped design. The interior is lined with Racing Green paper, creating a striking contrast when the case is opened.

Several details required special craftsmanship. On the left inner flap, a custom-cut design allows a letter to be incorporated directly into the box’s structure. On the right side, an embossed indentation creates a space designated for the handwritten numbering of each copy.

Finally, a dark green tone-on-tone ribbon makes it easy to lift the book out of its case, while blending seamlessly into the book’s color scheme.

Handcrafted in a limited edition of just 30 pieces

Producing a book in a limited run of just 30 copies allows us to approach publishing with an approach similar to that of a collector’s item. Each copy undergoes numerous manual processes: edging the covers and slipcases, binding, stitching, gluing, assembly, integrating the various components, and final assembly.

Based on the artistic direction conceived by AGID+MARCIN, Atelier Bulk handled the technical development and production of the entire project: HP Indigo printing, hot stamping, Swiss binding, edge banding, custom cutting, calendering, and hand assembly.

This hotel development project thus showcases another facet of our work: the creation of art books, limited editions, and custom-made box sets, combining printing techniques with extensive manual work in bookbinding and finishing.