Sketchbook Extralink Derwent A5 Big Book Wire Bound, A5, 86 sheets, 110 g/m², hardcover, black

Extralink Derwent A5 Big Book Wire Bound is a hardback sketchbook designed for drawing, sketching and quick studies. The A5 format and sturdy black hardcover protect 86 sheets of 110 g/m² acid-free paper, offering a portable solution for studio use and travel. The wire binding allows the book to lie flat for uninterrupted work across the spread, while the paper surface is optimised for dry media such as pencil, charcoal and ink washes, with limited compatibility for light marker use.

Advantages

This sketchbook combines a compact A5 footprint with a durable hardback cover to protect pages from wear. The 110 g/m² sheets provide a reliable weight that reduces show-through and supports layering with dry media. Wire binding ensures pages turn easily and stay flat, facilitating both single-page work and double-page compositions. Acid-free paper helps preserve drawings over time.

Suitable for

• Pencil sketches and detailed line work
• Charcoal studies and tonal rendering
• Ink washes and light pen work
• On-location travel sketching and quick concept studies

Key specifications

• Format: A5
• Sheet count: 86 sheets
• Paper weight: 110 g/m²
• Paper type: acid-free, monochromatic sheets
• Cover: hardback, black
• Binding: wire-bound (wire-O) for flat opening

How to use

Open the wire binding to lay the sketchbook flat or fold it back for single-handed use. Use pencils, charcoal sticks, graphite blocks or ink pens for drawing on each page. For ink washes, test on a spare corner to assess absorbency and drying time; the paper supports light washes but heavy wet media may cause buckling. When using light markers, apply minimal layers and allow drying between passes to prevent bleed-through. Store the sketchbook upright or flat in a protective bag to avoid damage while traveling.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use dry media and light ink washes. If you plan to use markers or heavier wet techniques, work on separate sheets or use a backing board to minimise warping and potential bleed-through.