Pen World V31.4

The Journal of Writing Culture

que bella!

Pineider Pens designed by Dante Metamorphosis:

Urso Luxury’s magnificent menagerie

Moleskine bridges the analog– digital divide plus: a calligrapher, a nibmeister, a wiki, and paper galore!

JUNE 2018 $6.95US $7.95CAN

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VOLUME 31, NUMBER 4 ON OUR COVER: Pineider La Grande Bellezza Honeycomb limited edition fountain pen

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36 new Pineider pens

Dante Del Vecchio creates a new look for an esteemed Florentine company.

40 classic Pineider paper

See why this centuries-old paper maker is the stationery of choice for so many.

Colonel and the Inkmaker: 30 the Part I Ink-making pens from the World War II era.

42 Moleskine’s next move

Who says you can’t transfer your analog work to the digital sphere with ease?

46 exporting American cursive

Through his books and international travels, Michael Sull is spreading the Spencerian gospel.

50 feeling Blue (Morpho)

Italy’s Urso Luxury pays homage to a little Amazonian butterfly.

53 Chet and balances

Herbert Pen Company writing instruments balance precision performance and singular style.

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departments

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view

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mail

paper to cry about

our readers, noted

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10 date

mark your calendars

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Washington D.C. and San Francisco

18 now

notebooks contained within

22 news

She’s Got Papers, Denis Brown, Nakabayashi, Cursive Is Cool®, Anderson Pens Chicago

28 vintage PW 33 shop

The Veggie Paper Experiment

Classic Fountain Pens

57 the PW interview

Stationery wiki’s Matthias Meckel and Alexander Kramer

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60 network

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62 source 64 imho

classified advertising

brand contact information

“Ode to the Fountain Pen”

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Leave It to the Experts

BY NICKY PESSAROFF

W

Ruth Korch

ay back in the day, when I was a lowly editorial assistant straight out of college, I thought I was funny. I thought I was so funny, in fact, that every now and then, my managing editor would indulge me and allow me to write human interest columns that weren’t about much of anything other than my derivative, Seinfeldian observations of the pen community.

As a writer, it’s important to look back, to see where you’ve been so you know where you’re going. Looking at my old work, I realized a few things: I was funnier at 22 than I am at 39; I was never really that funny in the first place, and I was very lucky to have such an indulgent first editor.

Both my most favorite and least favorite project involved making paper from vegetables. In the mail, I’d received a press release with instructions on how to do so. It included a mailer for a mould and deckle, the essential tools for making paper. How much fun, I told my editor, would it be if I made paper out of vegetables in the Pen World kitchen?

We think of paper as being made from wood or cotton—and it is—but more specifically, it’s the cellulose in those products that makes paper. The materials that become paper get boiled and soaked in water until the tightly-woven cellulose is broken down. Then, you take a mold and deckle, dip it into the pulpy slur, and shake out the excess water. As the slur dries out, the cellulose weaves together once again, and then you have paper. Whether it’s a major copy paper supplier using miles of digitallycontrolled machines or an artisan paper maker working from home, the construction of paper sounds like a simple process—but mastering paper making takes apprenticeship, concentration, skill, intuition, and flair.

If only I knew that before embarking on my own paper-making endeavor. It was a success in that I made my own paper by the end, but everything else was a failure. The color, the texture, the smell—especially the smell.

I haven’t cooked with onions since rereading that, but I’m glad I revisited the experience—I appreciate all the more the fine paper we’re featuring in this issue. Pineider Pens has made a big splash in 2018 with new fountain pens designed by legendary maker Dante Del Vecchio, but its line of fine paper has a 270-year pedigree. Moleskine’s Smart Set notebooks and digital pens are an attempt to keep paper relevant in an increasingly digital world.

Richard Binder’s article shows how ingenuity in ink delivery is not a new phenomenon, and Gregory Peterson explores the work of nibmeister and Classic Fountain Pens shop owner John Mottishaw. American Master Penman Michael Sull’s new textbook is specifically targeted for adults, urging us to find a deeper appreciation for the written word and the tools we use to make it. And on the other end, the new Stationery wiki is actively archiving aspects of our community—and is looking for participation from us all.

You’ll also find writing instruments from Urso Luxury and Herbert Pen Co., not to mention paper products and stationery from Leuchtturm1917, Nakabayashi, Rhodia, Clairefontaine, and She’s Got Papers stationery. And it’s all contained within these pages, which are blessedly scent free.

To read the Veggie Paper Experiment in full, see page 28. editor@penworld.com

One of the most ingenious people in pendom brings his expertise to Florence’s Pineider Paper.

Dante Del Vecchio’s

BY NICKY PESSAROFF

Nuovo Paradiso

Dante Del Vecchio poses with the fruits of his newest labors as a consultant for Pineider Paper. Right—The limited edition La Grande Bellezza Honeycomb fountain pen is a demonstrator pen with hexagonal cutouts in the body.

D

ante Alighieri is an Italian cultural hero because he legitimized Italian thought and language. Dante wrote the Divine Comedy in vernacular Italian, not Latin, and he introduced new, more approachable rhyme schemes. In essence, Dante took the realm of poetry away from the elite and gave any Italian the opportunity to experience literary enlightenment.

Renaissance poets and artists later iconized Dante’s divine landscapes, and his view of the celestial realm and the underworld became ours.

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Almost 700 years later, another Florentine named Dante—this one with the last name Del Vecchio—broke new ground in the writing instrument community. A successful pen shop owner, Del Vecchio saw an opportunity in the luxury writing instrument market for a new brand that would challenge the established rules. In 1988, he founded Visconti Pens, and it is safe to say that the luxury writing instrument market changed forever.

“I’m not an engineer,” Del Vecchio says. “I think I have the creativity and the will to solve the historical problems of pens—just thinking, creating something different.”

Del Vecchio may not be an engineer, but he has the mind of both an artist and a scholar, and he enjoyed looking at patents to see how past masters of pen manufacturing attempted to solve classic problems.

In the mid-1980s, Del Vecchio says, “I felt that the market was ready for collectible handmade pens. I can proudly tell you—because I double checked—that there was no such thing as a limited edition pen until I released one with Visconti in 1989.”

At the time, luxury writing instruments were the rarefied realm of major global accessories makers like Montblanc, and “limited editions” were not a conscious marketing concept as we now know it. Of all the technical and marketing ingenuities Del Vecchio has employed, the concept of marketing the unique materials or ingenious design techniques used in a writing instrument with limited production numbers is, arguably, the one that has changed the writing instrument community the most.

Try to imagine the modern writing instrument market without the concept of limited edition pens. Try to imagine Visconti without the myriad patented technical innovations Del Vecchio introduced: the traveling ink pot, the double reservoir power filler (for which he also holds a U.S. patent), the Hook Safe Lock, the flexible Dreamtouch nib, the versatile Smartouch tubular nib. Aesthetically, consider the iconoclastic Visconti clip; the introduction of new materials like celluloid, bachelite, and hardened lava from Mt. Etna; the use of the Divine Proportion and the Golden Mean.

So in 2016, when it was announced that Del Vecchio would part ways with Visconti, the pen community waited with baited breath to see what his next move would be. Would he form another company?

Bask in a well-earned retirement?

Del Vecchio feared that starting a new company from scratch would take away from his true love, pen design. The notion of joining an already established Italian accessories company was most appealing to him. And it was a legendary Florentine paper maker, Pineider, that finally captured Del Vecchio’s attention.

“I knew Pineider. It’s a Florentine company, historically one of the oldest companies in Italy,” he says. Pineider had new ambitions for its writing instruments line, which actually dates back to 1884.

Del Vecchio continues, “Pineider wanted somebody to create a pen department. The pens always existed, but there was not an expert able to oversee the pen department together as [its own] company.

My work with Pineider was not only to open a pen department but to create the Pineider look. They gave me carte blanche.”

As a consultant for Pineider, Del Vecchio designed a brand new nib and two flagship pen lines in the span of six months. He notes, “It’s incredible the number of things I’ve been able to accomplish in just one year. It’s like being back in the ‘90s, staying up in the night, designing new pens by hand.”

Above, from left—Avatar ballpoint in Pacific Blue, fountain pen in Coal Grey, mechanical pencil in Lipstick Red, rollerball in Saffron Yellow, and ballpoint in Lipstick Red. Right—all Pineider packaging is a unique, trapezoidal shape, packaged with fine Pineider paper and matching envelopes.

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Left—La Grande Bellezza Honeycomb. Below, left to right—La Grande Bellezza Gemstone fountain pens in Rodolite Red, Tiger’s Eye Yellow, and Lapis Blue; rollerball and ballpoint in Malachite Green, and ballpoint in Rodolite Red. Right—La Grande Bellezza limited edtion in Sunset Red and Dolomite Green and La Grande Bellezza Gemstone in Uber Black.

Every element of Pineider’s new line of pens showcases Del Vecchio’s influence. The new nib, called the Hyperflex, both is and is not a flexible nib.

A hybrid of stainless steel and 14 karat gold, the No. 6-size nib is surprisingly springy, designed to withstand great amounts of writing pressure—and while Del Vecchio insists it’s not a calligraphy nib, the fact is that it’s also designed to apply various line widths and grip styles.

He designed two new clips, each shaped like a quill and harkening to Pineider’s storied history with the written word. And he designed not just two flagship pens but also a recognizable, thematic marketing strategy: each Pineider pen model will be named after a famous film.

The new Pineider Avatar writing instrument is the company’s regular edition line, geared toward the Millennials and post-Millennials who so closely associate themselves with their online avatars. The cartridge/converter fountain pen has a No. 6, rhodium-plated, stainless steel nib in fine or medium, a quill-shaped nib, a classic body with a slight taper at the barrel end, and chrome section and appointments. The cap barrel features engraving of the Florentine skyline, and four rich colors are available: Coal Grey, Lipstick Red, Pacific Blue, and Saffron Yellow. Avatar is also available as a twist-action ballpoint and rollerball.

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La Grande Bellezza (“The Great Beauty”) is Pineider’s new line of luxury limited edition pens launched at the end of 2017: a classicallystyled pen body with a different quill clip and an ergonomic chrome section. A new polar magnetic twist-closure system allows for easy and leak-free posting and capping and was the first patent registered by Del Vecchio for Pineider. The pen is available in two colors—Dolomite Green and Sunset Red. These La Grande Bellezza writing instruments come in twist-action ballpoint, rollerball, and cartridge/converter fountain pen versions. Only 774 editions of each pen will be made.

The new La Grand Bellezza Gemstone collection of writing instruments, launched at the Los Angeles International Pen Show, have barrel colors reminiscent of the gemstones they represent—Lapis Blue, Malachite Green, Tiger’s Eye Yellow, Rodolite Red, and Uber Black. The cartridge/converter fountain pen comes with the new Hyperflex nib. The material of the pen deserves special attention: Del Vecchio created a hand-mixed, resin/marble compound, which adds heft and balance to the pen but also lends the resin an exceptionally deep saturation level.

In science fiction writer Douglas Adam’s classic book series, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a particular spacecraft with a deeply black body is described thusly: “It’s so…black…light just seems to fall into it!” That quote comes to mind when observing the black depths of the Pineider Gemstone pen in Uber Black; photography simply cannot do the saturation level justice, and the high gloss makes one wonder whether there’s even a pen in one’s hand until one feels the unusual heft from the marble dust.

Another limited edition La Grande Bellezza writing instrument, the Honeycomb, is already capturing the attention of writing instrument collectors. A clear demonstrator pen, the Honeycomb features body cutouts in the iconic hexagonal shape of a honeycomb, displaying Del Vecchio’s interest in bringing unique engineering principals to writing instrument design.

“It’s the first ever demonstrator pen with cutouts on the market,” Del Vecchio says.

Limited to 888 fountain pens, the cartridge/converter-filling Honeycomb features the new soft-touch magnetic locking system and a Pineider Florentia collection of plain, deckle-edged cards and matching tissue-lined envelopes. Like all Pineider flexible 14 karat gold nib in extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, or stub. paper products, Florentia is available in multiple colors, Del Vecchio also is bringing to the market a new, Snorkel-style sizes, and styles. ink-filling system that minimizes inky messes, and he promises that a brand new “mystery filling system” is on the way.

At this point in his career, Del Vecchio’s legacy is secured regardless of brand. He has always displayed a fearlessness in the face of conventional wisdom, and that ethos seems only stronger.

Del Vecchio notes, “If I do a project, I do it all the way. This is how I am. I put a lot of myself in my projects. I get involved. I’m not afraid. I like being in the game again.”

It takes courage to visit the depths of the Inferno and wade through the morass of Purgatorio in order to get to the promised Paradiso. Like the narrator of the Divine Comedy, Dante Del Vecchio has braved that journey and has returned, enlightened and invigorated.

Visit pineider.com or yafa.com.

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Experience Italy in Your Home Yafa Brands, Inc. adds Pineider pens—and paper—to its family.

On a journey to bring a centuries-old company to the United States, Ken Jones, vice president of Yafa Brands, Inc., recently visited Florence, Italy to meet with executives at Pineider. These two companies are partnering to bring Pineider pens, paper, and leather goods to the United States. In a recent interview over a cup of Italian espresso, Jones discussed this new and exciting opportunity with PW contributor and photographer SARA RICE.

Pineider paper is pH neutral, acid and chlorine free, and made from fine cellulose or cotton. Natural pigments are used for the colored embossing on the paper and hand-edging of the matching envelopes.

The Capri collection’s sheets and notecards are hand cut, and envelopes are stuffed with matching tissue. Capri is available in multiple sheet styles and colors.

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Sara Rice: After Yafa’s recent display of Pineider pens and paper at the Los Angeles International Pen Show, there is quite an interest in Pineider paper and its partnership with Yafa here in the U.S. market. What has the experience been like?

SR: Many celebrities and executives have a history of using Pineider stationery. People really believe in the fine quality of Pineider’s craftsmanship, evident by the fact that the company has such a vast, diverse clientele. Has the quality of Pineider paper remained the same as it was in 1774?

Ken Jones: We’re so excited Yafa is partnering with Pineider, and it has been so exciting to see so many people interested. The United States is a very important market for Pineider. Travelers from across the Atlantic have called on the Florence store ever since Ms. Elizabeth Taylor had her personal stationery made there.

Although it may seem strange for a 240-year-old company, Pineider has always been an innovator in all aspects of business, be it printing techniques, graphic innovation, writing technology, or product features. This proactive attitude resonates well with American consumers.

In fact, we’ll do very limited changes to products, if any at all, to succeed in the United States.

KJ: The art of the letter is just as important as it was back in 1774. In terms of the quality, this is part of the challenge and the opportunity for Pineider. We believe our clients appreciate truthfulness, and we strive to honor our past by offering the best possible quality.

Since 1774, papermaking has mechanized, but the core of the process is still the same. One of our paper ranges, XIII Secolo, is still made by hand, one sheet at a time. It is a unique and expensive process with a very limited supply. For those who want the flavor of a unique handmade product, we suggest turning to Capri, which has a hand-dyed edge.

SR: Writing with a fountain pen on handmade Pineider paper is a special experience. Will customers have the opportunity to try the Capri or one of your other lines of paper in person? How are you going to market the product in the United States?

KJ: As a brand, Pineider needs a full-service store. Since there is so much to tell about the products and the brand, it takes a trained specialist to convey the story in full. We like to market on the Internet as well because of the convenience and the visual content, despite the lack of feel and scent. We also want to be relevant to Millennials and their lifestyle.

SR: What are you most proud of regarding Pineider paper?

KJ: It is very difficult to explain this in one simple answer.

One needs to hold one of our envelopes to feel the full effect that jumps out at you. It is the watermark, the weight, the color, the fragrance. It just draws a smile on your face, and it gives you this experience like no other. You take it in and wonder to yourself how it is possible to elicit so many emotions with a seemingly simple item. Just holding one of our papers makes you feel like a connoisseur. All of the paper from Pineider is chemical free, and the pulp is harvested in a responsible way. We do our best to minimize pollution in transportation, which is our most obvious environmental footprint in the United States.

SR: Given that, today, we are living in an electronic age, how has Pineider overcome these obstacles?

KJ: We need to embrace change. We are studying how to merge online and offline. We also want to keep the light of handwriting burning; that must never go out. The flow of ink on a sheet of paper is pure bliss. Besides, writing requires time and thought. It makes people smarter and more considerate.

When you write to people, you give the most expensive asset you own: your time. We may have become a niche product, but we love to be a part of our clients’ lives.

SR: With all the different manufacturers out there, what makes your product stand out?

KJ: We strive to deliver an understated elegance laced with heritage and craftsmanship. We have a brilliantly personalized stationery business, and we believe we understand the intricacies of working with one client at a time. Even off-theshelf products should feel bespoke.

Pineider pens and paper will be on display and for sale at the Washington D.C. Fountain Pen SuperShow and the San Francisco International Pen Show.

See Sara Rice’s photography at snappyshutter.com.

From top—Pineider monogrammed sets of 10 cards and envelopes; the Empress collection of plain, straight-cut sheets with hand-painted border and matching tissue-lined envelope; the Milano collection of embossed, laid, straight-cut paper and matching tissue-lined envelopes (not pictured).

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Colored Emotions

Regular Edition Fountain Pen, Roller and Ballpoint Acrylic Material in Brilliant Colors Cartridge or Converter Filling System

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EACH MASTERPIECE A BESPOKE JEWEL

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network 28th Annual

Miami Pen Show July 13-15, 2018

DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center 711 NW 72nd Avenue • Miami, FL 33126

Hotel reservations: 305.261.3800

Show Schedule Friday 11-6 • Saturday 10-4 • Sunday 10-4

Admission $10/day • $15/2 days • $20/3 days Free admission for children under age 13 Show sponsored by

Opus Mechan opusmechan.com

Exhibitor and show information Bert Oser: bert@bertramsinkwell.com 800.782.7600 or 301.770.PENS (7367)

miamipenshow.com

“KNOWING WHAT’S WRITE SINCE 1922”

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