Classic Leather Bound Moleskine Journal
£75.00
- Pocket Size 10 x 15cm - Large 14 x 22cm - Extra Large 20 x 26cm
- Re-fillable with iconic Moleskine range of journals, plain pages
- The leather binding is a choice of Full Grain Italian leathers or oak bark tanned leather
- Elasticated closure
- Pen loop
- Optional stylish black Ohto writing instrument
- Complimentary Personalisation
- Click here to learn more about bespoke personalisation
A stunning leather-bound hand made refillable writing book bound with the finest Italian full grain naturally tanned leather.
Our Classic Leather Bound Moleskine Journals are perfect for the creative spirit or the business person wanting to impress clients with something other than run of the mill notebooks. Whether you write, sketch or design, chase business deals or close sales this is the essential stationary accessory and with three sizes to choose from, all eventualities are covered.
Designed to compliment the iconic Moleskine Classic Journal you'll love the combination of the ivory pages with the luxurious feel and rich colour of naturally tanned leather. Once your journal is full you simply replace it, and with each new Journal the hand made leather cover stays with you developing its unique patina and feel- gradually becoming more and more familiar, like a good old friend.
Personalisation
Complimentary personalisation of up to 12 characters is available. We use traditional bookbinders brass type (24pt Gill Sans) embossed on the front in the lower right corner. The hot stamping process allows you to choose between gold, silver, black and blind (no colour) embossing. The personalisation runs vertically alongside the elastic closure.
Please note, personalised items cannot be exchanged or returned.
Provenance
This re-fillable Journal came about as a collaboration between two traditional skills - the leatherworker and the bookbinder. The leather binding is made entirely by hand using naturally tanned leather.
This binding is far too good to be used only once so we make this special writing book refillable so you can use the binding again and again, the leather becoming more beautiful with time.
Love your Leather
Our leather is ethically and sustainably processed. The tannery uses a mixture of tree barks to transform the animal hides to leather. This is an ancient tradition which yields the familiar leather smell. Natural oils evaporate over time and need replenishing. Your leather benefits from and will look its very best if given an occasional dose of natural waxes and oils.
Tanner Bates products are made from distinctive and unusual leathers. It is our speciality.
Corporate Gift
This product is also available as a corporate gift. To discuss your corporate gift needs, enquire about corporate product personalisation and place your order please contact us.
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Why Moleskine Journals Still Matter in Our Digital World
The simple black notebook that Hemingway, Van Gogh, and Picasso loved still engages modern creators and leaders in our increasingly digital world. Moleskine's story shows how a small Italian startup grew into a global sensation, now selling notebooks in 22,000 stores across 95 countries.
These notebooks offer more than just a nostalgic appeal. Research proves that handwriting boosts creativity and improves productivity better than digital tools. This might explain why Moleskine has become a status symbol, especially when you have tech CEOs and creative professionals who value its mix of tradition and practical design.
Let's get into why Moleskine Journals stay relevant today, see their real-life applications, and help you pick the perfect notebook. You'll find how these iconic notebooks can boost both your paper-based and digital processes, whether you're a devoted user or just thinking about your first Moleskine purchase.
The Enduring Appeal of Moleskine Journals
The feel of opening a new Moleskine notebook creates an instant bond with creators worldwide. Running your fingers across the smooth cover before writing gives these notebooks their special appeal.
The iconic black cover and elastic band
A Moleskine classic notebook stands out at first glance. The simple black cover with rounded corners creates a sophisticated look that sets it apart from regular stationery. These rounded corners protect the notebook from damage in bags and pockets while giving it a unique profile.
The elastic band does more than look good - it keeps your ideas and sketches safe from daily wear. It also holds loose papers in place and reminds you of the notebook's quality craftsmanship every time you touch it.
A Moleskine stands apart from other notebooks because its design elements go together with one another:
Bookmark the ribbon to track your progress and find important pages
Expandable inner pocket for storing loose notes and mementoes
Sewn binding that allows pages to lie completely flat at 180 degrees
Ivory-coloured paper that creates a warm, inviting writing canvas
Quality that stands the test of time
Moleskine's steadfast dedication to durability shows in every construction detail. The tough covers, hard or soft, last long, with the hardcover giving you a solid writing surface away from your desk. The vinyl cover cleans up easily after drink spills or contact with sticky surfaces.
The paper quality speaks for itself - FSC™-certified material from responsibly managed forests. This acid-free, 70 g/m² ivory-coloured paper emphasises your writing and sketches while staying environmentally responsible. Since August 2010, all Moleskine products meet California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act standards, and after PVC concerns in 2008, they removed PVC from all items.
The sewn binding handles constant use without losing pages, which keeps your ideas safe for years. Quality materials and smart design create an object that ages well, becoming your personal archive rather than throwaway stationery.
A status symbol for creatives and professionals
Moleskine notebooks show up wherever ideas matter - from boardrooms to train commutes. They've become the favourite tool of modern celebrities like architect Renzo Piano, designer Ron Arad, and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden.
The brand builds on intelligence and aspiration instead of just selling stationery. Their marketing focuses on creating objects that represent "culture, imagination, memory, travel and personal identity". The classic notebook has surpassed its basic function to become a lifestyle piece that says something about its owner.
Business professionals use Moleskines to show they're organised and attentive. Creatives see them as links to artistic heritage. Both groups use the notebook as what Moleskine calls "an enabler for creativity" and "the perfect space to put pen to paper".
Moleskine's cult-like following proves these notebooks mean more than just products - they're part of a ritual connecting users to a bigger community of thinkers and creators. Using a Moleskine makes you feel like "some kind of respectable author writing your next best-selling novel or a professor making an important breakthrough in your research".
Digital Overload: Why We're Returning to Paper
Screen time has reached record levels in our hyper-connected world. People spend over seven hours daily looking at screens. Americans own four digital devices on average and dedicate about 60 hours weekly to digital content. This non-stop digital immersion affects our wellbeing measurably.
Screen fatigue and digital burnout
Digital overload has become widespread and affects people of all ages. The numbers tell a clear story - 73% of 2,000 workers say they experience screen fatigue. Millennials aged 24-29 feel it the most, with 77% reporting digital overload. Digital natives aren't immune either - 53% of Gen Z (ages 18-23) face similar issues.
The symptoms show up both physically and mentally. Screen reading makes people blink less often, which leads to dry, irritated eyes. Device's blue light disrupts melatonin production and sleep patterns, which affects brain function. The World Health Organisation now calls burnout a "syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn't been successfully managed".
Common signs of digital burnout include:
Decreased physical energy and motivation
Reduced productivity and creativity
Feelings of disconnection and mental exhaustion
Difficulty concentrating and shortened attention spans
A telling fact shows that 75% of adults say they just need a break from their digital devices. This growing frustration explains why some people turn to Moleskine notebooks to step away from screens.
The mindfulness of analogue writing
Science backs up this return to paper. Our brains work differently when we write by hand versus typing. Studies show that students who take handwritten notes remember information better and understand it more deeply than those who type.
"Writing by hand forces the brain to involve itself with content more meaningfully," one study explains, "leading to improved memory and understanding". This difference in thinking makes a Moleskine classic notebook more than just a beautiful object - it becomes a tool to think deeper.
Writing in a Moleskine soft cover notebook creates a break from constant digital noise, beyond its brain benefits. Your thoughts can flow freely without notifications and alerts interrupting them. Neuroscientists call this distraction-free focus on demanding tasks "deep work."
Remote workers have found that analogue tools like Moleskine bullet journals make their digital work better rather than replace it. Half of them used pen and paper "to organise their thoughts, prioritise tasks, or doodle to relieve stress" while working from home during the pandemic.
Writing in a Moleskine notebook helps people feel better too. Research shows that journaling reduces stress and anxiety effectively. Simple sketching or doodling in a Moleskine increases dopamine levels and promotes relaxation.
Moleskine notebooks offer something rare in today's world: a space free from digital distractions where thoughts can grow naturally. Opening a Moleskine helps people reclaim their mental space in a world full of screens and notifications.
How Moleskine Journals Enhance Digital Workflows
Paper notebooks and digital tools work together brilliantly instead of competing. Moleskine's ecosystem bridges the gap between analogue and digital worlds. You can enjoy handwriting benefits while keeping everything organised digitally.
Bullet journaling in a Moleskine
The Moleskine journal has become a go-to productivity tool that rivals digital task managers. This specialised notebook has dotted pages that let you create custom layouts to track goals, habits, and lists. Moleskine calls it a space to "map, track, plan and dream" without fixed rules. You retain control to build your own system.
Dotted pages give you structure without restrictions. They work great for quick logging and creating spreads. Your Moleskine classic notebook encourages thoughtful planning through the physical act of writing, unlike digital alternatives.
Students and professionals have embraced the Cornell note-taking method since it was found about ten years ago. The system splits your notebook page into two parts. The main content takes up about two-thirds, while one-third holds actions, insights, and reflections.
This method works by separating your main notes from tasks. The visual difference between information and action items makes it effective.
Scanning and digitising your notes
You don't need to retype everything to turn your handwritten thoughts into searchable digital files. Here's how to digitise your notebook Moleskine content:
Use smartphone apps to capture clean images
Scan pages with a standard scanner (JPEG format works best with OCR)
Add tags or keywords to make notes searchable
Evernote works with Moleskine to recognise handwriting in scanned pages. Your written notes become searchable after digitisation. All the same, scan quality matters. JPEG format often gives better results than PDF for handwriting recognition.
Smart notebooks and digital integration
The Moleskine Smart Writing Set offers the smoothest analogue-digital integration. The system comes with a Smart Pen and special notebooks that use Ncoded technology - a hidden grid that turns handwriting into digital documents.
The Notes App lets you:
Digitise handwriting as you write
Turn notes into editable digital text
Record audio that syncs with your writing
Share pages through email
This system shines because you keep the benefits of writing by hand. Moleskine's CEO Jensen points out that notebooks serve as "a reflective interface" even in today's digital world. Technology boosts the analogue experience rather than replacing it.
The Smart Writing Set cuts out extra work while keeping handwriting's brain benefits. Your notes show up on screen instantly. You can edit, organise, and share content without converting from paper to digital.
Practical Uses for Your Moleskine in Today's World
Moleskine notebooks do more than just look good. These versatile tools help organise daily life and preserve memories. They remain useful even as digital alternatives continue to spread.
Daily planning and task management
Your Moleskine classic notebook becomes a productivity powerhouse with the right strategy. Daily planners dedicate a full page to each day. You get plenty of space to create to-do lists, set goals, and schedule appointments. This layout lets you break down complex projects into smaller tasks you can check off one by one.
The Moleskine bullet journal works great for tracking habits and routines. You might start with simple tasks like "make coffee" on your list. Checking off these items gives you quick wins. Small daily goals add up to bigger achievements in your work and personal life.
Meeting notes that actually get reviewed
Your Moleskine soft-cover notebook helps you remember more when you write by hand. Digital notes often sit forgotten, but this system works differently. Letter-sized pages with perforations let you file notes with project materials instead of keeping them in date order.
Good meeting notes need a few key elements. Write the date with the year, page numbers, and meeting name on every page. Use empty boxes for pending tasks, crossed boxes for items in your system, and filled boxes for finished work.
Creative ideation and mind mapping
Moleskine notebooks give you space to explore ideas. Hand-drawn mind maps feel different from digital ones. The process can be both creative and calming. The Moleskine classic notebook gives you a perfect space to connect your thoughts visually.
Many creative people choose A4 or A5 Moleskine notebooks. They pair these with quality tools like Faber Castell Manga Pens or Derwent Inktense Pencils. Physical tools engage your brain differently than digital ones and boost creativity.
Travel journaling and memory-keeping
The Moleskine book journal made for travellers has sections to document your trips. The Traveller's Journal comes with useful features. You get an 8-year calendar for planning, space for travel memories, and room to record 20 short trips and 6 long ones.
Passion Journals help capture things that matter most to you. Eight different themes are available. Each journal guides you with practical info and structured sections. These journals become personal records of your favourite activities and important moments. They last longer than digital photos that might get lost over time.
Choosing the Right Moleskine for Your Needs
Finding your perfect Moleskine means thinking over a few things that affect how you write. The market offers plenty of options, and knowing the differences in covers, sizes, and paper types helps you pick the right notebook.
Hardcover vs softcover Moleskine notebooks
Practical needs drive the choice between hardcover and softcover notebooks. Hardcover versions give you a stable surface to write on when you're away from your desk. They work great for taking notes while standing or moving around. These tough notebooks also keep your ideas safer because they handle wear and tear better.
Softcover notebooks weigh less - just 258 grams compared to hardcover’s 335 grams (about 30% lighter. You'll find them more comfortable to carry for long periods. The soft covers bend and shape themselves to fit your pocket or bag easily. Many users call this "transparent portability".
Size options for different purposes
Moleskine notebooks come in sizes that fit different needs:
Pocket size (9 x 14 cm): Fits in your pocket to catch ideas anywhere
Medium (11.5 x 18 cm): Gives more space but stays portable
Large (13 x 21 cm): Most people pick this size as it balances space and portability
XL (19 x 25 cm), XXL (21.6 x 27.9 cm), and A4 (21 x 29.7 cm): Perfect for bigger projects
Artists can use the A3 size (29.7 x 42 cm) that's usually found in sketchbooks and watercolour notebooks.
Paper types and their best uses
Moleskine's four main page layouts serve different needs:
Ruled pages help you think and write in a linear way. Plain pages let you draw and sketch freely. Squared paper helps organise both writing and numbers, while dotted pages give you the best mix - enough structure to write straight but still great for drawing.
The paper weight ranges from 70 g/m² (standard notebooks) to 300 g/m² (watercolour blocks). Standard 70 g/m² ivory-coloured paper works well with dry media and Moleskine pens. The thicker 120 g/m² paper gives better support for drawing pencils and markers. The 200 g/m² paper in watercolour notebooks handles lots of water well.
Your choice should line up with how you'll use it most - pick hardcover for stability, softcover to carry easily, size based on your needs, and paper type that matches your creative style.
Conclusion
Moleskine notebooks remain powerful tools for professionals and creatives in our screen-dominated world. These iconic notebooks go beyond mere nostalgia - research shows they boost creativity, help retain information better, and curb digital fatigue.
A classic hardcover works great at your desk, while a lightweight softcover travels well. Your Moleskine doubles as a practical tool and a statement piece. The elastic closure, bookmark ribbon, and expandable pocket blend naturally with your daily routine without losing their classic charm.
You don't have to pick between paper and digital systems. Your handwritten notes can transform into searchable digital files while you keep the brain-boosting benefits of writing by hand. This perfect balance lets you stay creative and productive without adding to your screen time.
Best of all, Moleskine notebooks create a space where you can think deeply without notifications or distractions. Even as technology moves forward, writing with pen and paper still offers unique advantages to organise thoughts, capture ideas, and plan your next venture.
Elevate Your Moleskine: The Leather Cover That Lasts a Lifetime
If Moleskine represents the ritual of writing, then a handcrafted leather cover is the finishing touch that transforms that ritual into a legacy. For those who cherish their journals not just as tools but as personal artefacts, Tanner Bates offers a range of leather Moleskine covers that combine British craftsmanship with timeless character.
Each cover is handmade in Devon using full-grain leather, selected for its depth, durability, and ability to age beautifully with use. Whether you’re carrying a Moleskine Classic Pocket Notebook on your travels or filling the pages of an Extra Large Plain Journal at your desk, a Tanner Bates cover wraps your ideas in something that feels just as considered as the thoughts it protects.
From the slim elegance of the Pocket Cahier Cover to the substantial presence of the Classic Leather-Bound XL Journal, these covers are designed to pair perfectly with Moleskine’s iconic form and function. They feature subtle detailing - like hand-stitched edges and burnished finishes - that reflect a deep respect for traditional leatherwork.
And much like the notebooks they’re made for, these covers only get better with time. Every scratch, fold, and mark tells a story - just like the pages inside. Whether you’re gifting one or treating yourself, a Tanner Bates leather cover turns your Moleskine into something even more meaningful: a lifelong companion.
Frequently asked questions about Moleskine Journals.
What makes Moleskine Journals unique in today's digital world?
Moleskine notebooks offer a blend of tradition and innovation, combining quality craftsmanship with modern functionality. They provide a tactile, distraction-free space for creativity and productivity, helping combat digital fatigue while enhancing cognitive processes through handwriting.
How can Moleskine notebooks improve productivity and creativity?
Writing by hand in a Moleskine notebook engages the brain differently than typing, leading to better information retention and deeper comprehension. The act of physically writing can also boost creativity, reduce stress, and provide a mindful break from constant digital stimulation.
Are there ways to integrate Moleskine notebooks with digital workflows?
Yes, Moleskine offers several options for digital integration. These include the Smart Writing Set, which instantly digitises handwritten notes, and compatibility with apps that allow you to scan and search handwritten content. This integration allows users to enjoy the benefits of handwriting while keeping information organised digitally.
What types of Moleskine notebooks are available for different needs?
Moleskine offers a variety of notebooks to suit different purposes. These include hardcover and softcover options in various sizes, from pocket-sized to A4. Page layouts include ruled, plain, squared, and dotted, with paper weights ranging from 70 g/m² to 300 g/m² for different media types.
How do Moleskine notebooks contribute to sustainability?
Moleskine demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by using FSC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests. Since 2010, all Moleskine products have complied with California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, and they are now PVC-free, showcasing the brand's efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Are Moleskine notebooks suitable for fountain pens?
Many people enjoy using fountain pens with their Moleskine journals, particularly for the tactile, elegant feel they bring to the writing process. While the standard 70 g/m² paper handles most fountain pen inks well, wetter nibs or highly saturated inks may show some ghosting or feathering. If you're unsure, the Moleskine Classic Plain Paper Notebook is a great place to start experimenting with your favourite pen and ink combo.
What is the most popular Moleskine notebook?
The Moleskine Classic Pocket Notebook remains a fan favourite. Its compact size, reliable hardcover, and signature features like the ribbon bookmark and elastic closure make it a trusted companion for everyday thoughts, travel sketches, or creative bursts. It's often described as the legendary notebook that lives up to its name - just ask the thousands who carry one everywhere they go.
How do hardcover Moleskine notebooks compare to softcover options for daily use?
Hardcover notebooks offer more structure and durability, which is especially useful when you need a stable writing surface or plan to archive your journals over time. They hold up well to frequent travel and wear, making them ideal for long-term projects or formal note-taking. Think of them as your portable desk- while softcover notebooks feel more like a flexible travel companion.
What are ribbon bookmarks used for in Moleskine notebooks?
The integrated ribbon bookmark is one of those simple touches that quickly become indispensable. It helps you mark key pages, track daily entries, or return to ongoing notes without fumbling through your journal. It's especially useful in dotted notebooks where the layout is more fluid - giving you structure without restrictions.
Did Ernest Hemingway really use Moleskine notebooks?
Hemingway famously used a legendary notebook with a similar form factor to today's Moleskine. While the modern Moleskine brand was revived in the 1990s, it draws direct inspiration from the style of notebooks carried by Ernest Hemingway, Bruce Chatwin, and other iconic figures. The result is a notebook that blends literary tradition with modern design.
What's included in Moleskine's selection of city-themed notebooks?
The Moleskine London City Notebook, New York City Notebook, and Paris City Notebook are part of a beautifully crafted series designed for urban explorers. Each offers space for mapping out trips, capturing local discoveries, and preserving travel memories. With tabbed sections, metro maps, and plenty of pages for notes, they're a practical upgrade from tourist brochures - and make stylish keepsakes too.
What's the difference between a plain notebook and a dotted one?
A Moleskine Classic Plain Paper Notebook offers a clean, open space - perfect for sketching, journaling, or creative writing without restriction. Dotted notebooks, on the other hand, give a subtle grid that helps keep your writing straight or layouts balanced while still feeling less rigid than lined pages. If you like structure without rules, dotted might be your best fit.
Can I get a Moleskine as a personalised gift?
Yes! Moleskine offers personalised notebooks that make meaningful gifts for writers, students, or professionals. You can emboss names, initials, or even a quote on the cover of selected notebooks - turning a high-quality notebook into something uniquely theirs. It's a thoughtful way to mark a milestone, launch a new job, or celebrate a creative friend.
