Dreams Of Diamonds is one of the most spectacular books to be published in recent times and is acknowledged as an outstanding work of art.
“Diamonds have always been credited with great spiritual clarity, their brilliance and hardness symbolic of the human soul and higher self. Each diamond is unique, waiting within the rough stone to be set free. Allegorically each one of us is unique, once we realise this and explore the process of individuation we enter into our true selves.” Dreams Of Diamonds extract from Foreword
THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT - words from the creators
Welcome to Dreams Of Diamonds
As photographic artists and designers for over 25 years we have been involved in all forms of photography and printing. Throughout our commercial careers we are proud to have worked with many of the top publications and jewellers in the world. However, it would be true to say that our greatest joys in photography have come from our fine art projects.
Over the years we have become known for our work with jewels, in particular diamonds. During our careers it has been our privilege to photograph many of the most spectacular diamonds in the world. We have always been inspired and hold a tremendous fascination for the exquisite beauty of these exceptionally rare wonders of nature. And as a result of this towards the end of 2007 we began to explore the idea of creating a lasting work of art, exclusively devoted too diamonds.
We wanted something unique, which would stand the testament of time and become our legacy for the future. After 2 years of careful consideration we decided to create this work of art in the form of a giant, super book!
We have always been committed to large format images. The desire to push boundaries using creative techniques to inspire, particularly with regards to size has always been present. On a number of occasions we were fortunate enough to use the amazing 20x24 inch Polaroid Camera, creating exclusive collections of work in both Polaroid Transfer and Emulsion Lift mediums. We also specialized in Platinum Palladium printing and have successfully produced some of the largest platinum images in the world.
When taking into account all the large format work we had created throughout our careers the idea of embarking on such a fabulous adventure and producing this magnificent book was a natural progression along a path we had already been travelling for many years.
This book goes beyond the professional to embrace our personal life and partnership, it’s the embodiment of our aspirations and dreams. We are delighted and privileged to have been responsible for creating such an exceptional and unique work of art and forever extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.
“Dream Of Diamonds is our Magnum Opus”
Alastair Laidlaw and Christine Marsden
THE COLLECTORS EDITION BOX SET - an exceptional work of art
The books have been distributed throughout the world to all the major libraries, museums and diamond institutions. They have taken their place amongst the greats as an acknowledged piece of diamond history.
The book was produced as an edition of 500 copies. Within the main edition an exclusive, silver leather edition of 10 copies only has been produced. Each of these copies is accompanied by a limited edition collection of 10 prints, uniquely created from Dreams Of Diamonds. Known as THE COLLECTORS EDITION BOX SET, each set is signed, numbered and embossed with the artists stamp. Each print has its own title. The books also have a special certificate of authenticity.
INTERESTING FACTS
Over 500 million dollars worth of diamonds are displayed, including the 2 most expensive diamonds in the world and we are also privileged to include the world’s largest, flawless, brilliant cut diamond the fabulous Cullinan Heritage.
Each page is an absolute visual delight, highly creative and original. Every image has been created to stand as a work of art in its own right, whilst also sitting beautifully within the completed book.
This Magnum Opus is the largest limited edition book ever published on diamonds. It is also in the top five largest edition publications to be produced in the last 100 years.
Main Edition Book Placed with
The British Library
The Smithsonian Institution - Rare Books Collection - Washington DC
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
The Bodleian - United Kingdom
The Victoria & Albert Museum - National Art Library
The Albertina - Vienna
The New Antwerp Silver & Diamond Museum
The London Library - Patron Queen Elizabeth II
Bibliotheque nationale de France
Bayerische Staatsbibiothek - The Bavarian State Library
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - accepted copy No60 in her Diamond Jubilee Year
The Chow Tai Fook Museum - China
to name but a tiny few recipients
COLLECTORS EDITION BOOK SPECIFICATIONS
1 metre x 70 cms when open
End Papers made of Antik Ink Pearlised Metallic
Printed on high quality ProfiSilk 250 gsm Art Paper, semi matt finish
160 Pages of stunning images and text
Bound in Silver Textured Leather
Front Cover and Spine blind debossed with the Dreams Of Diamonds titles/logos The approximate weight of each book in its own presentation box is 18.5 kg
‘THIS IS A VERY LARGE AND HEAVY BOOK ‘
PRESENTATION BOX SPECIFICATIONS
Lid and Base covered in Silver Textured Leather
The Lid is blind debossed with the Dreams Of Diamonds title/logo
A Personal Letter from the creators of Dreams Of Diamonds with detailed instructions for care, storage and handling. Plus further specific instructions for taking the book out of its boxes and how to open and view it properly.
DENBIGH SOLANDER CLAM SHELL BOX
CREATED BY G RYDER & CO LTD
This Presentation Box has been exclusively designed to display both the Dreams Of Diamonds Book & the Limited Edition Set of Prints
It is covered in Heritage Library Platinum Buckram
A separator panel is included inside the box
The lid of this box has been blind debossed with the Dreams Of Diamonds title/logo, in keeping with the feeling of the book and prints and is also bejewelled with a single ‘Tear Drop’ authentic crystal, inserted inside the title logo
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT:
‘30 kg WHEN HOUSING THE BOOK AND PRINTS’
SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION SET OF 10 PRINTS
Each print comes with its own archival printed sleeve and is signed, titled, dated and embossed with the artists stamp and has a protective sheet over the print
Approximate Print Size 700mm x 500mm - Approximate Image Size 630mm x 451mm Printed on Canson Infinity Baryta Prestige - 340gsm
Each set of prints are housed in their own presentation box
Presentation Box: Silver Chromo Library Buckram lid, blind debossed with Dreams Of Diamonds title/logo and Skipper Blue Eurobuckram base
Approximate Weight 7 kg
Further information regarding Dreams Of Diamonds
The Collectors Edition Box Set will be available soon.
Thank you
Alastair Laidlaw and Christine Marsden
Enjoy!