A paperweight is defined as a decorative weight commonly used to hold down sheets of paper on a desk or table to prevent them from being blown away. Paperweights are rarely used in modern office environments now, but in the past they were a frequent feature in both homes and offices.

Made of resin, acrylic or glass, paperweights are available in a huge variety of sizes and designs, including engraved paperweights; and are more commonly used now as decorative objects in the home, or objects that have been passed down from older family members. Due to the movement towards paperless offices the need for paperweights has decreased dramatically. Whereas when they were originally produced paperweights soon became widely available due to the industrial revolution and were broadly used in homes and places of work for both their decorative and functional benefits.

With an increase in letter writing, paperweights had a designated purpose and would be objects that were used daily, however as we moved into the electronic era, the need for letter writing quickly decreased replaced by the email therefore significantly reducing the need for paperweights. The main use of paperweights now is as decorative objects in the home, or corporate paperweights that are often presented as bespoke engraved awards used for a decorative purpose in the office and to signify a special achievement.

It is now possible to make your own paperweights at home, perfect to use around you own home or to give as gifts to friends and family. All you need is either a kit from you local arts or crafts store, or some easily acquired objects, such as an image you would like to encase in your paperweight, a mould, sharp scissors and resin. These personalised paperweights would make the perfect present to decorate a side table or wall cabinet.

Collecting and making paperweights is a pastime that many people enjoy. These simple objects are relatively easy to make and it is possible to start your collection on a small budget, you can often pick up paperweights at your local car boot sale or charity shop. These collections can become so extensive that some are moved to museums which showcase the beauty of these objects.

If you are interested in seeing some of the original paperweights, famed for their intricate artwork and craftsmanship then why not visit a specialist museum. Here you will find everything from early glass paperweights to more modern designs. With the displays incorporating the many designs of paperweights available, including those with encased images, carved designs or hand painted pictures.