VOICED : In a London workshop artisans craft bespoke globes

Peter Bellerby founded Bellerby and Co. in 2008 after struggling to find a suitable globe for his father's birthday. The company specializes in handmade, bespoke globes, emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail. The process is labor-intensive, with small globes taking weeks to months and large ones up to a year and a half. Challenges include ensuring uniformity across painted panels and developing precise motor skills. The work often reveals new geographical details, inspiring travel aspirations.

What inspired Peter Bellerby to start his company, Bellerby and Co.?

• A business opportunity

• A travel experience

• A gift for his father's birthday

• A school project

How long does it typically take to make a small globe at Bellerby and Co.?

• Six months

• Two to three months

• One week

• Four weeks to two months

What is a significant challenge in the globe-making process?

• Finding the right materials

• Ensuring all panels look identical

• Marketing the globes

• Shipping the globes internationally

What skill is crucial for making a good globe?

• Mathematical ability

• Speed

• Strength

• Fine motor skills

What often happens to the globe maker as they paint the globes?

• They finish quickly

• They discover new details

• They get bored

• They make mistakes