Bellerby & Co. Marco Polo Desk Globe

Through exceptionally-detailed illustrations, this entirely handmade globe traces the trade routes of Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant, writer and explorer. His fleet of ships returning to Persia are shown as well as depictions of many of the local goods, artisans and landmarks found along the Silk Road: a mosque and oasis in Iran, Middle Eastern spices, Marco Polo and camels in China, the Yumen Pass, Chinese spices and silk, and Mongolian horses. The globe sits atop a base made of London Plane wood and spins 360 degrees in all directions by hand. The hand-painted watercolors are sealed with a durable matte resin to protect.

After a fruitless search for a globe for his father’s 80th birthday present, Peter Bellerby set out to make one himself. The undertaking proved exceedingly more detailed than expected, yet Bellerby was undaunted and ultimately successful in his mission. After completing the globe for his father, he established Bellerby & Co. Globemakers in 2008.  Now, in his North London studio, he and his team of artisans continue to follow the arduous process to create bespoke globes that tell personalized stories for his clientele. Each globe is a unique, handcrafted, interactive work of art. We love this short clip from CBS Sunday Morning profiling Peter and his remarkable team.

H 10in (on stand), ⌀ 8.33in