Further Information

The most extensive publishing project undertaken by the Icelandic Handicraft Association is without doubt Íslensk Sjónabók, originally published in 2009 in collaboration with the National Museum of Iceland and the Iceland University of the Arts. The book was first issued under the editorship of Guðmundur Oddur Magnússon (Goddur) and Birna Geirfinnsdóttir, who oversaw the digital development and presentation of the patterns.

The book has been out of print for several years, but the Icelandic Handicraft Association now intends to publish a new edition. This is a unique work that preserves an essential part of the nation’s visual cultural heritage and has, since its first publication, served as a wellspring of ideas and innovation, deeply rooted in Iceland’s distinctive cultural traditions.

There is strong demand for the book, and we believe the time is right to print the next edition, which will be a special commemorative release including a tribute to Goddur. Producing the book is costly, and we therefore rely on crowdfunding and pre-orders. With your support, we can ensure that this rich source of inspiration and creativity becomes accessible once again.

Íslensk Sjónabók immediately became an indispensable reference work for designers, craftspeople, and all those who cherish Icelandic culture. The volume brings together all preserved Icelandic pattern-book manuscripts held in museums and collections in Iceland and abroad, dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Historically, such pattern books were used in embroidery, weaving, and a wide range of traditional crafts.

The inspiration for the publication arose from a lecture by Guðmundur Oddur Magnússon entitled “Rýnt í skraut og mynstur í þjóðararfinum” (“A Closer Look at Ornament and Pattern in the National Heritage”) which he delivered at the Nordic Handicraft Association's seminar in Reykjavík in 2007. Following this, Guðmundur Oddur proposed the creation of a comprehensive pattern book edition. The National Museum of Iceland granted access to its manuscripts, and students from the Iceland University of the Arts contributed to the digital interpretation and development of the patterns.

Special dedication: This edition is published in honour of Guðmundur Oddur Magnússon (Goddur), who passed away in early 2026. Goddur was the driving force behind the first edition and played a major role in awakening the interest of new generations in this precious cultural heritage.

What does the book contain?

The book comprises approximately 700 pages and is divided into ten chapters, each containing a single pattern-book manuscript. The text is presented in both Icelandic and English. The volume also includes digital access to the patterns, which may be freely used for design, handicrafts, and educational purposes.

About the Icelandic Handicraft Association :

The Icelandic Handicraft Association was founded in 1913 and has received recognition from UNESCO for its work in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Operating as a non-governmental organisation, the Association also holds an advisory role under UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

According to its statutes, the mission of the Icelandic Handicraft Association is to protect, preserve, and promote traditional Icelandic handicrafts, to encourage high standards of quality and aesthetic value, and to inspire the public to create beautiful and practical objects suited to the needs of the modern age while remaining firmly rooted in national cultural heritage.

The Association’s activities are wide-ranging. It runs the Icelandic Handicraft School, which offers courses in both Icelandic and international crafts. The Association also operates a specialised shop providing materials for a variety of handicraft traditions, including national costume-making, weaving, wool work, and natural dyeing. In addition, it is actively engaged in research, education, outreach, and publishing related to crafts and craft heritage.

Tax deduction:
The Icelandic Handicraft Association is registered as a public-benefit organisation. Voluntary contributions made without compensation (such as acknowledgements on the website or a name listed in the colophon) are eligible for tax deduction for the donor.

Delivery and shipping:
Please note that the book weighs approximately 2.2 kg. It will be possible to collect the book in person from the Icelandic Handicraft Association at Nethylur 2e. For those who wish to have the book shipped by post, the following rates apply: ISK 2,500 for domestic home delivery, ISK 1,800 for delivery to a post box, and ISK 5,000 for international shipping.