Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) remains one of the most influential artists in the history of Western art. We are delighted to partner with the Van Gogh Museum in bringing to life one of the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter’s most famous works. The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world, featuring 205 paintings, 500 drawings, and nearly all of his letters, as well as extensive archive material related to the artist.

The museum continues to be one of the most prominent global art institutions, due to its expertise on the painter whose art continues to inspire people all over the world. Originally owned by his younger brother Theo until his death in 1891, the collection has been passed down through generations before the opening of the Van Gogh Museum in 1973, working diligently to preserve and celebrate these cherished works. We are honoured to collaborate with the Van Gogh Museum to create our Van Gogh, Sunflowers design.

If you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, be sure to visit the Van Gogh Museum and immerse yourself in the world of the famous painter.

Known for their emotional intensity, dramatic use of colour, and expressive brushwork, Vincent van Gogh’s works have continued to inspire and captivate generations of artists and art lovers. Some of Van Gogh’s most iconic paintings are those depicting sunflowers, which we are privileged to have reproduced on our cover. Joining our Embellished Manuscripts Collection, this design features an original letter straight from the museum’s archives laid on top of Van Gogh’s iconic Sunflowers (1889) painting.

Van Gogh’s letters to his brother Theo are an essential part of understanding his life, thoughts, and artistic vision. In the letter we have reproduced, Van Gogh describes his vision for the house he was renting in Arles, which he called the Yellow House due to the warm, buttery colour of its exterior walls:

“But you’ll see these big paintings of bouquets of 12, 14 sunflowers stuffed into this tiny little boudoir with a pretty bed and everything else elegant. It won’t be commonplace.”

Since we both share a passion for celebrating Van Gogh’s work, combining one of his paintings with a letter from the museum’s archives felt like the perfect match in starting this incredible partnership.

“Paperblanks’ craftsmanship and mission to honour artistic heritage combined with the respect for Van Gogh’s legacy make them a valued partner for the Van Gogh Museum. Through their thoughtful design and attention to detail, this collaboration brings together Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and his own words from our collection in a fresh and considered way. This collection brings both his art and story closer to people’s everyday lives” — Eva Derksen, Head of Licensing at the Van Gogh Museum

Developing this release was a new and exciting journey for our Graphics department. With the Van Gogh Museum’s extensive collection of cherished artworks and archives representing the artist’s life, we wanted to create a cover design that captured all aspects of his legacy through his art and his writing. That’s why we felt this was the perfect moment to add Vincent van Gogh to our Embellished Manuscripts Collection, bringing together the preserved elements of his life that the museum continues to protect and celebrate.

“Van Gogh’s artistic genius wasn’t just in depicting a subject or landscape – it was in his ability to draw the viewer into the very mood of his paintings. His Sunflowers painting, with its warm and inviting shades of yellow, brown, and deep green, transports us to the sun-kissed air of the South of France. The rich, heavy flowers seem to embrace the pot, adding to the painting’s serene atmosphere. By applying Paperblanks’ techniques to this famous masterpiece, we sought to honour Van Gogh’s spirit and convey its richness, warmth, and tranquility.” — Adina Costiuc, Art Director