WOLF: A Family History of Boxmaking
Rachael Taylor and WOLF collaborate on a new book that celebrates 190 years of the world renown boxmaker.
It is 1834. The bustling German town of Hanau is brimming with goldsmiths and silversmiths, and the time has come for you Gottlieb Wolf to pick a trade. He chooses boxmaking, and in doing so sets a family tradition in motion that will continue for more than 190 years.
WOLF: A Family History of Boxmaking, written by co-authors Rachael Taylor and WOLF CEO Simon Wolf, tells the story of the Wolf family and its boxmaking business, which has been passed down through six generations – surviving wars, recessions, pandemics, and heart-breaking personal tragedy. It spans three centuries and takes readers on a journey from Hanau to Sweden, the United States, and Great Britain.
Through the book, you will discover how each generation made its mark on the business, and the world; from inventing the iconic pirouetting ballerina musical box, to designing for royalty and developing patented watch winders. With access to never-before-seen family archives, get to know the people behind the boxes, with searingly honest accounts of what life was really like for the Wolf family at its highest and lowest moments.
“Reaching the milestone of our 190th year of my family business has naturally made me reflective – and incredibly proud,” says Simon. “Writing a book seemed such a fitting way to celebrate our story on this special anniversary. So, it is with great joy that with this beautiful book I can now introduce you to the family who came before me as I continue to carry the family legacy forward.”
This section of the book documents the creation of the musical ballerina jewellery box, which was invented by Philipp Wolf III in 1937.
Crafting an untold tale
The book was created over the course of a year, with Simon and Rachael meeting regularly to share research, conduct interviews, sift through old family documents and photographs, and together shape the story of the Wolf family. A story that has never been told until now. “Writing a book is a fascinating process,” says Simon. “Finding photographs and documents from the past strikes up emotions and memories, and writing the story makes you truly appreciate the determination and grit it took to keep the WOLF business running for 190 years.”
“It has been such a privilege to work with Simon on this book over the past year,” adds Rachael. “Not only is it the origin story of a business that has remained privately owned for 190 years - an incredible feat when you consider today’s luxury market - it is a deeply personal tale of a family that has had to overcome many political hurdles, personal tragedies, and a constantly evolving market during the course of nearly two centuries.
“This is a story of innovation, survival and continual reinvention, as well as a history of boxmaking. I hope that our readers will find inspiration in its pages, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that has been practiced by the Wolf family since 1834."
The book tells the story of the Wolf family’s pioneering boxmakers, from Gottlieb Wolf setting up his business in 1834 through to today’s CEO Simon Wolf.
A fitting tribute to an impressive legacy
The design and production of the book was handled by Rachael Taylor’s editorial team, and the result is a beautiful, large-format hardback coffee table book.
As is fitting for the WOLF brand, the book is protected within a cloth-bound box. It has also been sustainably printed by CarbonNeutral printer Pureprint on FSC-certified paper.
In a beautiful nod to the Wolf family story, much of which took place in Sweden, the paper for the book pages were manufactured in Munkedal, a village in western Sweden, by Munken Design. This Cradle to Cradle-certified producer specialises in sustainably produced premium uncoated papers that are age resistant. The mill has long been committed to creating a healthy connection between industry and nature, always striving to align with the best environmental practices.
As well as charting the family’s history, WOLF: A Family History of Boxmaking gives an insight into the craft of boxmaking and the modern WOLF business.
How to buy the book
WOLF: A Family History of Boxmaking can be purchased at the WOLF store at 72 Neal Street in London, or online at Wolf1834.com. You can also order a special copy signed by the author Rachael Taylor here.
To contact Rachael Taylor about future publishing projects, you can do so here.
