A Novel Approach: GRAY318 x Shakespeare & Company Bloomsbury Tote Bag

Artist CollaborationsGRAY318
Written By Dutch Uncle

Jon Gray, known professionally as GRAY318, brings a chapter of his own to the famous Shakespeare and Company Paris tote. The Bloomsbury Bag, illustrated by Jon, uses bold pattern and his classic hand-drawn type to turn the canvas tote into a walking bookshop sign.

Jon’s design pays tribute to classic book jackets and the history of the Parisian shop. The lettering spells out “Shakespeare and Company” across the top, with “S. & Co.” down the side.

The geometric pattern — filled with stacked books, circles, diamonds, and color blocks in navy, ochre, and orange. Each panel works like a bookshelf: order and play sit side by side.

Handles are navy blue and made to last. The cotton canvas holds a full stack of novels or enough groceries for a long evening of reading. The shop’s logo sits right in the center, small but unmistakable.

Jon Gray’s illustrations appear on book covers around the world, but here they are as practical as they are decorative.

The bag is an open invitation to keep reading, wherever you’re heading. A good tote always has you covered.


Dutch Uncle

Dutch Uncle is an award-winning international illustration and animation agency founded in 2006 by Helen Cowley. With offices in London, New York, and Tokyo, we operate across every major timezone, connecting the world's most ambitious brands with exceptional global creative talent.

Over nearly two decades, Dutch Uncle have built one of the most decorated artist rosters in the industry. Our artists have produced Gold Clio and Cannes Lions award-winning work for clients spanning fashion, luxury, fintech, tech, healthcare, and publishing. We have collaborated on prestige illustration and animation projects for global leaders, including Hermès, Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Rimowa, as well as Apple, Google, Mercedes, Netflix, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, The New York Times.

We represent illustrators and animation directors who lead their fields in conceptual thinking, visual intelligence, and craft. Artists whose work cuts through algorithmic sameness to deliver genuine cultural impact.

Beyond our core roster, we also draw on an international network of talent across five continents to meet the scale and complexity of any brief.

Dutch Uncle operates as a full-service creative production partner, managing everything from artist sourcing and briefing through to licensing, copyright, animation production, and final delivery.

We specialise in complex, multi-market projects that demand creative precision and seamless execution. Whether that is a single editorial commission, a suite of high-impact social media assets, or a global animated campaign.

For nearly twenty years, the world's leading agencies, publishers, cultural institutions, and brands have trusted us to bring their most ambitious work to life.

https://www.dutchuncle.co.uk
Previous

Brian Rea Animates Big Feelings for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood
Next

A Buffet of Illustrated Wit: Why Lucas Varela is the Master of Satire