Stillman & birn

Stillman & Birn: Premium Sketchbooks for Artists and Creatives

Stillman & Birn is a trusted name in the art materials industry, producing outstanding quality sketchbooks designed to meet the needs of professional and beginner artists.

Founded in 1958 by Viennese bookbinder Philip Birn, the company pioneered the black hardbound sketchbook from a small plant in the SoHo area of Manhattan, New York. Today, Stillman & Birn continues to be a leader in fine art sketchbooks, offering a unique range of papers to support various techniques, from delicate line work to wet washes.

Acquired by Clairefontaine in 2019, Stillman & Birn maintains their dedication to craftsmanship while benefiting from the expertise of one of the world’s leading paper manufacturers. Each sketchbook features internal and surface-sized paper, allowing for exceptional wet strength, slowed water absorption, and rich, glowing colour retention.

Stillman & Birn sketchbooks come in hardbound, wire-bound, and softbound formats, with bindings that lay flat for two-page spreads, scanning, and easy removal of pages. Thoughtful details such as rounded corners enhance durability and provide an elegant finish.

The Stillman & Birn sketchbook range features seven distinct paper series, allowing artists to choose the best option for their needs. This includes Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, and Nova. Whether you prefer smooth, medium grain, or cold press textures, each series offers a balance of strength and flexibility.

• Alpha (Heavyweight, Medium Grain, White)
• Beta (Extra Heavyweight, Cold Press, White)
• Gamma (Heavyweight, Medium Grain, Ivory)
• Delta (Extra Heavyweight, Cold Press, Ivory)
• Epsilon (Heavyweight, Smooth, White)
• Zeta (Extra Heavyweight, Smooth, White)
• Nova (Heavyweight, Medium Grain, Beige/Grey/Black)

Stillman & Birn controls their entire production cycle from paper manufacturing to binding, ensuring consistent quality while minimising environmental impact. Designed to support creativity without limits, Stillman & Birn sketchbooks continue to be a popular choice for artists who demand excellence on every page.