About

What is a Keepsake?

The Keepsake Press designs and produces Keepsakes — traditional, foldable paper tokens inspired by the 18th- and 19th-century puzzle purse. Each Keepsake is both a unique greetings card and a small work of art: a square, hand-folded parcel that opens layer by layer to reveal illustrations, details, and messages within.

The designs celebrate the rich cultural and historical heritage of Britain — from classical literature and scientific innovation to architecture and the landscapes. Each Keepsake is carefully researched and illustrated to bring its subject to life in a tangible, tactile form that can be given, treasured, and kept.

The Story of The Keepsake Press

I have always found the history and landscape of Britain fascinating, and, by extension, love visiting all sorts of sites across the country. I love keeping mementos of visits — paper souvenirs like tickets or maps, or natural souvenirs like nuts and shells.

When I came across puzzle purses for the first time, I thought, what a charming idea for a paper souvenir! Thus, The Keepsake Press was born. I decided to create versions of these beautiful paper artefacts, reimagined as Keepsakes that celebrate culture, literature, and art.

Traditionally, puzzle purses would have been decorated with hearts, flowers, and verses, and exchanged as tokens of affection. I wanted to reinterpret that tradition — not only as an expression of love or friendship, but also as a way to celebrate the stories and achievements that have shaped British life.

Taking that same spirit of curiosity and celebration, The Keepsake Press also produces and stocks a range of booklets, cards, and miniatures — all inspired by Britain’s rich cultural heritage. Each piece is designed to capture the pleasure of discovery and the beauty of small details, turning history, art, and storytelling into keepsakes to be treasured and shared.

The Purpose of The Keepsake Press

There can sometimes be a feeling of gloom surrounding both Britain’s present and its complex past. Yet Britain remains a place of remarkable creativity, curiosity, and beauty. For such a small island, it has produced an astonishing wealth of history, art, science, music, and literature.

Through The Keepsake Press, I hope to reanimate some of these treasures — to remind us of what is good, enduring, and inspiring in our shared culture. Commemorating cultural and scientific achievement is my favourite quality of British culture. Each design is a small celebration of that spirit: a foldable reminder of the importance of curiosity, imagination, and appreciation.

 

Thea Mallorie,
Founder of The Keepsake Press.