The Birthday Book
Throughout December, visitors to Jane Austen's House will have the opportunity to write a heartfelt message in 'The Jane Austen Birthday Book', a unique volume handcrafted especially for the occasion by bookbinder Marci Welch. We are delighted to unveil the book here, and the myriad of design details that Marci explains in her own words...Meet the Maker: Marci Welch
Designing the Jane Austen Birthday Book has been both a creative challenge and a deep personal joy. Titled For A Lady, the book celebrates not only 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth, but also the world, women and wit she brought to literature.
A Regency Palette: Teal, Gold, and Terracotta
The colour scheme began with a rich teal-blue goatskin leather, a shade reminiscent of calm elegance and Regency refinement. On the surface, I hand tooled 250 leaves, each representing a year of Austen’s enduring legacy. Winding through the leaves is a single gold vine, a gold line of authorship that continues to inspire readers, authors and dreamers.
Set among the leaves are six terra cotta leaf onlays, each one honouring a central heroine: Elizabeth Bennett, Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, Fanny Price, Emma Woodhouse and Anne Elliot.
Hand-sewn endbands in silk thread, in teal blue with a stroke of gold, a subtle detail that ties the entire colour palette together in traditional flourish.
Peacocks, Pride and Paper
Opening the book reveals vintage feathered marbled paper in a blue peacock pattern, a tribute to the iconic “Peacock Edition” of Pride and Prejudice. Inside the pages are 160 gsm Fabriano Ingris, a beautifully textured laid paper with visible watermarks. Its weight and surface make it perfect for writing, ensuring every message will sit gracefully on the page.
An ivory satin bookmark softly marks your place.
The Title
The title pays homage to the way Austen introduced her writing to the world “By A Lady”. In choosing “For A Lady”, I wanted to mirror her modest signature and offer a loving dedication back to her.
Letterpress Craftsmanship
The title page was printed in the West Dean print room using traditional letterpress, combining three fonts chosen for their Regency character and delicacy. The pastel tones echo the subtlety of the period design, while a hand-carved linocut of the Austen House logo completes the page with a touch of craft heritage.
Marci Welch is a 3rd year MA Bookbinding & Design student at West Dean College in West Sussex.
We are so grateful to her for creating such a beautiful book, and to Victoria Stevens, Subject Leader – Books and Library Materials, for enabling the commission!
If you are visiting Jane Austen’s House during the month of December 2025, please look out for the book and add your message!