Italian printmaker Filippo Morghen created a series of surreal engravings depicting a fictional journey to the moon, blending scientific curiosity with whimsical fantasy. His prints show pumpkin houses in trees, giant butterflies, and strange machines. At Vault Editions, we’re drawn to forgotten works like Morghen’s that inspire imagination and creative reinterpretation. This article explores his creative vision and why it still resonates with artists today. Let's go!

Welcome to a new section of The Vault Zine, where we'll be interviewing some of our favourite contemporary artists about their creative process and artistic journey. We love researching and sharing articles about art history, and this will still be a significant part of The Vault Zine. However, in a time when the process of creating both commercial and fine art is at risk of being reduced to that of a prompt, both Kale and I, as directors of Vault Editions, think it's important to take time to platform those making art by hand. It is our aim through these interviews to not only provide inspiration but to highlight the struggles, failures and successes of the human creative process and to celebrate the hard-won incremental gains that only come from showing up for your art every day.

The Renaissance was a period in European history spanning approximately the 14th to 17th centuries. It was a cultural awakening defined by a renewed interest in the art, philosophy, and aesthetics of Classical antiquity. Sparked by the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts, sculptures, and architectural ruins, artists and designers of the period were inspired by the culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.

In The Flowers Personified (Les Fleurs Animées, 1847), a garden blooms with far more than petals and leaves. This illustrated work combines the imaginative drawings of J. J. Grandville and the playful text of Taxile Delord. Flowers take on human form with personalities, moods, and moral inclinations. What begins as a charming floral fantasy unfolds into a subtle critique of 19th-century ideals around femininity, beauty, and social behaviour.

Ornamental lettering is where written language and visual storytelling meet. From gilded medieval manuscripts to the crisp typefaces of the modern age, ornamental lettering has offered artists and designers a powerful tool for creativity. In this article, we'll examine its use across centuries, from its spiritual beginnings in the Medieval era to its Renaissance heyday and into its current revival.

From the stylised forms of ancient civilisations to the flowing organic curves of Art Nouveau, botanical themes have left an enduring mark on art and design. In this article, we'll discuss stunning historical examples of ornamental design and discover ways to incorporate botanical elements into your creative work. Let's go!

Throughout history, artists have been captivated by the mystique of serpents. Snake symbolism carries many meanings, embodying power, wisdom, transformation, and danger. Whether depicted as divine protectors, agents of healing, or harbingers of destruction, these creatures have played a pivotal role in visual storytelling. This article delves into the symbolic significance of snakes from the perspective of three iconic artists. Let's go!

Medieval manuscripts are renowned for their intricate illuminations and calligraphy, but beyond the main text lies a fascinating world of marginalia—decorative and often bizarre illustrations scribbled in the margins of books. These embellishments range from simple doodles to elaborate, surreal scenes that offer unique insights into medieval humour, satire, and social commentary. But what do they mean, and why were they included? Read on to find out!