For our 10th birthday, we knew we had to create something special – something that captured the heart of Papier. So we made a limited edition print, filled with hand-drawn symbols that each represent a moment, memory or milestone from our journey so far. From daily rituals to big creative leaps, every illustration tells a piece of the Papier story. Come behind the scenes as we reveal the meanings and team memories hidden within each motif.

The motifs & their meanings

Kingly Court, Soho

The story: It all began in 2015, in a tiny Soho studio above Kingly Court, with a few desks, a kettle and big dreams. Our first creations were greeting cards: beautifully designed, ready to personalise and made to be kept. Then came wedding invitations and notebooks, as we began to imagine all the ways paper could help people celebrate, plan and tell their stories.

“Our first studio was tiny, with slanted floors, endless stairs, and no kitchen in sight. We’d take turns carrying trays down to the agency below to make tea for everyone. It was a small, scrappy team, but one full of heart.” - Claire, People Director

Charlotte Street Hotel
The story: Our second home looked out onto the timeless charm of Charlotte Street Hotel in Fitzrovia. It was here that our team – and our collection – really began to grow. We set about creating journals, planners, diaries, photo books and more. Ideas and designs were unfolding fast.

"I loved working near this hotel. We kicked off one of our Christmas parties in their cinema room once – it was so cosy and bougie.” – Paige, Creative Lead.

A writer’s desk
The story: More than a desk – this is a symbol of fresh starts, slow mornings and the joy of putting pen to paper. Our desks are where ideas take shape, plans are made and stories come to life. A Papier classic, it reminds us why we do what we do: celebrating the everyday rituals that inspire creativity and reflection.

“Desks hold all the good stuff – love letters, big ideas, the beginnings of something real. I'm so glad one made the print!” – Jennie, Copy Lead

The Italian Summer notebook
The story: A homage to one of our bestsellers. The notebook you’ll spot within our birthday print celebrates the design you all love and know – Italian Summer. Inspired by the nonna chic trend, we dreamt up this design back in 2023 and it now features across journals, diaries, and planners in four colourways. With 97,000 sold (and counting), it had to make an appearance.

"Italian Summer began as a watercolour inspired by vintage Italian ceramics and textiles. I wanted to capture that sun-soaked warmth you feel on holiday, and turn it into a stationery essential you can carry with you." – Megan Pearce, Senior Print Designer

Pigeons in the park
The story: A tribute to London life. Pigeons are a staple and part of the city’s character – often overlooked, yet always present. This cute little motif captures that honest, everyday beauty: the small, familiar details that give a place its personality.

“There are always pigeons floating around our Camden office. Never thought I’d actually see one on a Papier print. The illustration is really cute – love the idea of celebrating a creature that doesn’t get a lot of love!" — Rosa, Designer

Bouquets of flowers
The story: Blooms appear again and again across Papier designs, symbolising growth and the beauty of nature. Our designers share a deep love for flowers, often weaving them into both our prints and using them as props for our shoots.

"One of my favourite parts of the job is sourcing flowers for our shoots. A trip to the flower market feels like a dream task every time." – Chloe, Art Director

The black cab
The story: The black cab takes us back to so many Papier memories – racing through London streets to photo shoots, post-work rides home after drinks with the team and the early hustle. It’s more than just a mode of transport – it represents the momentum, chaos and charm of getting things off the ground.

"There’s something so iconic about the London black cab. It’s one of my favourite illustrations from the print.” - Theodora, Stationery Designer

KFC buckets
The story: The unlikely hero of team celebrations and a must-have at our monthly meets. Our team once carried 20 buckets of chicken back to the office when delivery wasn’t an option. Definitely a legendary team snack.

"I’ve got KFC on speed dial! I’m the one ordering the chicken (along with loads of pizza). It genuinely makes everyone so happy and never lasts long!” – Alice, Office Manager

Gussie, the cavapoo
The story: As a dog-friendly office, having our furry friends around is part of what makes working at Papier special, so it felt only right to feature one in our birthday print. We chose Gussie, our lovable cavapoo, because he’s endlessly drawable and always brightens up the place with his playful energy.

"So honoured that Gussie made the print – the illustration captures him so well. Good boy!” Johnnie, Engineering Director

This isn’t just a design – it’s a time capsule of memories, milestones and ten years of stationery magic. Celebrate a decade of Papier by exploring our birthday collection and bringing a piece of our story home.

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Here's to CHAPTER 10