He Had No Experience When He Started Making Custom Globes. 18 Years Later, They Can Cost More Than a Car and Take Up to 3 Years (Exclusive)

**The Art of Globe Making: A Deep Dive into Bellerby & Co. Globemakers**

In an age dominated by technology and mass production, one London-based company is championing the art of traditional craftsmanship through the intricate creation of bespoke globes. Founded in 2008 by Peter Bellerby, Bellerby & Co. Globemakers is a testament to the enduring allure of high-quality, handcrafted goods. Despite the challenges that come with this unique craft, Bellerby has managed to carve out a niche in a world where digital representations often overshadow physical artefacts.

Peter Bellerby’s fascination with how things work began in his childhood; he spent hours dismantling his toys and even a watch to uncover the mechanics behind them. Over the years, this curiosity blossomed into a diverse skill set, spanning areas such as woodworking, metalworking, and watercolour painting. His professional journey saw him renovating homes and working in television, where he developed a keen appreciation for stories embedded in maps and exploration.

Reflecting on his unconventional path, Bellerby shares, “There were many stepping stones that led to my eventual career as a Globemaker. Some had more obvious connections than others, but it ultimately began as a hobby that spiralled out of control.” The transition from a desk job to globe making was gradual, but by 2008, Bellerby & Co. was born, establishing itself as a leading provider of hand-crafted globes.

Employing a team of up to 35 artisans, the company produces globes that vary in size from five inches to five feet in diameter. Bellerby admits that starting this business without formal training posed significant challenges. “There is no manual and nowhere to learn to make globes; I taught myself through trial and error,” he explains, adding, “I’m still learning new things after eighteen years.”

Creating a globe is no small endeavour. Each piece typically moves through the hands of multiple craftsmen, with responsibilities spanning cartography, sphere-making, painting, and engineering. The studio itself reflects an ethos of creativity, featuring an abundance of natural light, greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere, punctuated only by the soft sounds of studio dogs scampering about.

While the process of globe making is time-consuming—ranging from weeks to several years—the meticulous work begins with crafting the sphere itself. Using two half-moulds, the team ensures each globe is perfectly proportioned and balanced. Following this, cartographers are tasked with developing detailed maps which are then meticulously cut into sections known as “gores.”

Bellerby stresses the precision required during this process: “The sizing of the gores must be accurate to the millimetre. Any mistake can lead to overlaps or gaps in the final product.” He further elaborates, “You have to consider how the paper responds to water, heat, and cold, which adds an additional layer of complexity.”

Once the gores are crafted, they undergo a delicate hand-painting process. Unlike traditional watercolour techniques, the artists must adapt their skills to paint effectively on a three-dimensional surface. The painted sections are carefully stretched over the globe, an operation that demands a steady hand as the damp paper becomes extremely fragile.

“Mastering this technique takes years,” Bellerby remarks. “You develop a sense for the material, learning how to manipulate the wet paper without tearing or distorting it.” After the gores are securely attached, additional layers of detail are added before applying a protective finish. The base of the globe is then crafted, involving attention to bespoke designs for larger projects, sometimes including hand-engraved meridians and custom messages.

Bellerby acknowledges the many challenges that come with crafting these exquisite pieces. “So many components must come together to create a single globe, and the potential for error is high,” he notes, explaining that sometimes a mistake necessitates starting over, which, while frustrating, is a commonality in handcrafted work.

Once each globe passes a final inspection, it is assembled with its base, packaged securely, and shipped to its new owners. The price of these creations varies widely, often reflecting the time and effort involved, and can reach figures comparable to luxury items in the market.

One notable commission involved creating a globe for the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. This project required extensive collaboration and numerous adjustments to meet the client’s high standards, a meticulous approach that Bellerby and his team embraced.

Over the years, the studio has cultivated a close-knit community of craftspeople. Many of the artisans joined via social media or stumbled upon job postings, drawn by the rarity of such a role and the enchanting world of globe-making.

Despite nearly two decades in the industry, Bellerby’s passion remains steadfast as he continues to learn and evolve. His journey from childhood curiosity to skilled artisan highlights not only the beauty of traditional craftsmanship but also the importance of preserving such heritage in a rapidly changing world.

As he reflects on the globe-making process, Bellerby expresses a profound appreciation for the intricate details that come together in each piece. “What a small place we occupy on this planet—it’s a big wide world out there with so much to discover,” he remarks, emphasising the humbling experience of both creating and viewing these masterpieces.

In a society increasingly focused on speed and convenience, Bellerby & Co. serves as a reminder of the value of craftsmanship, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the artistry behind every handmade globe.