The Vellum Page: Calligraphy studio

With the advent of the Gutenberg printing press approximately 450 years ago (the divine machine for some, the infernal machine for others), the fascinating historical period during which great works of bibliography were patiently produced came to an end. Reviving this millenary art requires the use of a wide range of original materials (medieval pigments and inks), as well as a talented team of artists familiar with the methods and techniques of antiquity: the manufacture of natural parchment, Genoese paper, and/or amate paper as writing support, and gilding and binding, among others, as ornamental elements.

At The Vellum Page we are specialists in the creation of beautiful illuminated codices, and in the production and facsimile reproduction of historical documents of great value and beauty. We follow in the long tradition of those amanuensis who over the centuries hand-wrote and hand-decorated sumptuous manuscripts. Located in the heart of Manhattan, we are at the forefront of the art, innovation and science of the book.

Experts in the facsimile reproduction of sacred texts, we recently had the privilege of reproducing the world’s oldest Siddur (Jewish prayer book). We are now honored to do the same with this other historical and religious gem: the Nican Mopohua, a true treasure of Nahuatl literature (considered the Fifth Gospel, or the Bible of the Americas), and one of the treasures of the New York Public Library.

Some of our clients include The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., as well as numerous private collections and collectors. We have collaborated in the reproduction of works from major museums and libraries, such as the New York Public Library, and the Morgan Library in New York City.

The studio is run by Ramón Abajo, a calligrapher, typographer, psychologist, educational software developer, (and baker by family trade, as he proudly defines himself). After finishing his higher education in Spain, he moved to London, where he taught Spanish in public and private schools in the United Kingdom, and at the same time began his calligraphy studies. In 1986 he settled in California, where he continued his educational career for more than 15 years. In 1990 he received the “Teacher of the Year” award at Desert Sands Unified School District, and in 1999 he founded the software company Downhill Publishing. In 2007 he moved to New York where he founded and managed The Vellum Page. Here he continues his calligraphy studies at Cooper Union University.

Ramón is a member of the New York Society of Scribes, The Center of the Book Arts, The New York Public Library, La Nacional/The Spanish Benevolent Society, as well as other prestigious academic and cultural institutions.

A FEW OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS