The most beautiful papers in the world share one thing in common: Deckle Edges.

Deckle Edges aren’t mistakes or boo boos. They are poetry crafted in fiber. Whispering reminders of a human’s hands. Patient tradition. Timeless artistry that machines simply cannot replicate. Every deckle-edged sheet of handmade paper tells a profound story of authenticity. Craftsmanship. A direct lineage to centuries-old papermaking traditions.

Handmade deckle-edged paper isn’t cheap at two to five times more expensive than regular fine art paper. Why? Because it’s the very essence of handmade quality. The papermaking process is meticulous. Labor-intensive. Highly skilled, and involving traditional techniques and premium fibers like Kozo, Gampi, Mitsumata, in Japan or 100% pure cotton rag in Europe. These papers most often come via revered local or regional artisan traditions. Both Japanese washi and European cotton rag papers decend from long standing family traditions, further increasing their collectible value.

But true fine art isn’t measured simply by cost, or the time it takes to produce. Quality art demands the time it takes, and this is exactly the philosophy behind every BirrellJones Platinum Palladium Fine Art Watercolor tinted original. Each artwork features at least one authentic deckle edge as a visible mark of its handmade authenticity. The deckle edge doesn’t just decorate, as beautiful and individual as it is, it also connects the artwork to the timeless quality of craftsmanship. It symbolizes patience. Skill.  The kind of enduring authenticity and values Suzanne Birrell and I try to place in each piece we work on, and that we both believe that collectors truly value.

After all, fine art prints endure only as long as the paper they’re printed on. The deckle-edged, handmade paper selected by BirrellJones isn’t only about aesthetics it’s our artistic statement. These papers, crafted to withstand the tests, trials, and tribulations of centuries, guarantee the longevity and legacy of every artwork printed upon them.

The choice of deckle-edged paper underscores a sacred trust between us as artists and you as the collector. When you acquire a BirrellJones Platinum Palladium Fine Art Watercolor tinted original, you are not just purchasing a beautiful image. You’re investing in the artist’s dedication to timeless craftsmanship, authenticity, and unparalleled quality.

The art you purchase as the collector deserves nothing less.