Today we are continuing our series exploring the history of the artwork found in our new Williamsburg Collection. We are spotlighting the beautiful Poetic Suite, a collection of cards and stationery designed with delicate ornamental details re-produced from an antique Christmas book. The book was originally published in London in the 1850s and features intricate engravings on every page. We selected several pages within the book that we knew would make beautiful holiday cards.

The antique book, Christmas with the Poets, is an exquisitely embellished collection of carols, songs and verses spanning centuries of holiday traditions. The title page, as seen below, is inscribed from Wm. Ames to Mrs. Casserly and is framed with delicate filigree and ivy motifs that speak to the artistry of antique bookmaking. This fine ornamental detail has been thoughtfully revived for our Poetic holiday stationery collection.

Continue scrolling to see a few of the original pages we selected from the book and how our talented design team has reimagined the artwork and designs for the cards and stationery found in the collection.

Every detail in our Williamsburg Collection was created with care—to celebrate the artistry of the past while designing pieces you’ll love using now. We adore the way the Poetic suite turned out: it’s classic, elegant, and adds a touch of tradition to the photos and memories you cherish most.

Shop the Poetic Suite here and shop the entire Williamsburg Collection here.

All photography by Mary Margaret Smith.