The same Euro Sketchbook that has been a staple of art schools and studios for decades — distinctive black Microline hardback cover with lacquered finish and rounded corners, 50 sheets of 160gsm acid-free all-media cartridge paper sized for extra wet strength, wide 7/8" silver wire-o binding that opens completely flat — in three square formats for artists who prefer to work outside the standard portrait and landscape proportions.
The square format is a deliberate compositional choice rather than simply a different size. It removes the inherent directionality of portrait and landscape, placing the subject at the centre of an equal, symmetrical field that treats horizontal and vertical equally. It suits botanical and natural history drawing, still life, abstract and experimental work, and any subject or style where the conventional rectangular frame feels like an unnecessary constraint. Urban sketchers and painters working on location often find the square format liberating — the lack of a dominant axis encourages more considered compositional decisions rather than defaulting to the obvious horizontal or vertical reading of a scene.
All three square sizes use identical paper and cover construction to the portrait and landscape Euro Sketchbooks and are fully compatible with the same broad range of wet and dry media. We stock three sizes: 140x140mm (compact pocket carry), 195x195mm (the most widely used square format), and 250x250mm (a generous working area for more ambitious compositions).
Paper weight: 160gsm Sheets: 50 Binding: Wide 7/8" silver wire-o, opens flat Cover: Black Microline hardback, lacquered finish, rounded corners Paper: Acid-free, chlorine-free, sized for extra wet strength Sizes: 140x140mm, 195x195mm, 250x250mm Made in: UK
Why choose a square sketchbook? A square format removes the inherent directionality of portrait and landscape, placing the subject in an equal, symmetrical field. It encourages more considered compositional decisions and suits subjects and working styles where the conventional rectangular frame feels constraining — botanical work, still life, abstract work, and experimental drawing among them.
Which square size should I choose? The 140x140mm is the most portable — compact enough for a jacket pocket and ideal for quick location sketches and daily carry. The 195x195mm is the most widely used, offering a comfortable working area that balances portability with space. The 250x250mm suits more ambitious and detailed work where a larger surface is needed.
What media work in the square Euro Sketchbooks? The same range as the portrait and landscape versions — pencil, graphite, charcoal, soft pastel, pen and ink, fine liner, coloured pencil, markers, light watercolour washes, and light acrylic. The 160gsm wet-strength sizing gives more capability with wet media than most sketchbooks at this price.
Can material be stuck in and pages removed? Yes — the wide wire-o binding expands to accommodate material stuck onto pages, and pages can be removed and reinserted without damage to the binding.
