Art
The Mesmerizing World of Fore-Edge Painting
Maisie Matilda, a 24-year-old artist, is reviving the endangered art of fore-edge painting, gaining viral attention on social media. Her dedication to this ancient craft has not only turned her passion into a business but also sparked a global interest in preserving this art form
By Beth Snider · February 5, 2024
Fore-Edge Painting
In Oxford, UK, Maisie Matilda, a 24-year-old artist, has embarked on a mission to revive the endangered art of fore-edge painting. Her approach to this traditional craft has garnered attention on social media but inspired a newfound interest in a form of art on the brink of extinction. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
A Craft from the Past - Sacred Poetry 1744
Fore-edge painting, a technique dating back to the 10th century, was initially used for symbolic identification on book edges. However, it blossomed into a full-fledged art form during the 18th century, and now Maisie Matilda breathing new life into this ancient practice Wikipedia/Dorothy McIlvain Scott Collection at George Peabody Library
J.R.R. Tolkien
Maisie's journey into fore-edge painting began during the first COVID-19 lockdown when she found herself with an abundance of time. A self-taught artist, she started experimenting with this dying craft and, to her surprise, went viral at the end of 2021 after displaying her work on the edges of a J.R.R. Tolkien book on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" by J. K. Rowling
Her short videos, displaying scenes from beloved literary works such as "The Lord of the Rings," "Harry Potter," and "Game of Thrones," quickly gained millions of views, propelling Maisie into the spotlight. Interviews with major news outlets followed, as she explained the rarity and significance of her chosen art form. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
Maisie Matilda Painting
Fore-edge painting, considered critically endangered by the Heritage Craft Association UK, has only a handful of practitioners worldwide. Maisie's dedication to this craft has produced beautiful artworks and preserved a piece of cultural heritage. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
Drawing and Painting the Design
Her creative process involves meticulous attention to detail, selecting the right book to repair any wear and tear, and transforming the book's fore-edge into a canvas for her imaginative scenes. Her preferred subjects often include landscapes, characters, and symbols inspired by the books she paints. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
The Painting Comes to Life
Despite the endangered status of fore-edge painting, Maisie has managed to turn her passion into a business. Selling her hand-painted editions on platforms like Etsy, she has found a way to sustain her craft and share it with enthusiasts worldwide. Due to academic commitments, she currently refrains from custom orders or commissions. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
"Breaking Dawn" by Stephenie Meyer
As Maisie juggles her final year of college studying art history, she dreams of dedicating herself fully to fore-edge painting once she graduates. Her ultimate goal is to bring this captivating art form back into popular visual culture, saving it from extinction. maisie_matilda_art/Instagram
"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" by J. K. Rowling
Edge painting on "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" by J. K. Rowling maisie_matilda_art/Instagram