Pen of the Year 2008 by Graf von Faber-Castell
Soon to be released!
Once again, the Pen of the Year focuses on the core feature of the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection: wood in its noblest and most inspiring variations. The idea behind this year’s pen comes from Countess Ottilie’s private salon or drawing-room in the Faber-Castell castle, now over 100 years old, that is panelled in costly East Indies satinwood – also known as lemonwood on account of its fragrant scent. And so the name “Lemon Room” came about. It was masterfully created by the artist, designer, and architect Bruno Paul. With his designs he succeeded more than any other in combining elegance and modernity. One of his most famous pupils was Mies van der Rohe. The fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld is full of admiration for him. The mood around 1900 was one of a new departure, yet with an eye on tradition. Technical innovations, art nouveau, and the first signs of modern design were all the rage. At the same time, the French neo-classical Empire style, and also Biedermeier (early Victorian), experienced a revival. For all their floral exuberance, the fin de siecle designers were also interested in the possibilities offered by more abstract forms. One example is the herringbone pattern, in which natural inspiration and strictly geometric lines and angles complement each other so beautifully. Used mainly for elegant clothes and fine parquet floors, it also graces the inlay work of choice pieces of furniture, among them Ottilie von Faber’s writing desk. This was the inspiration for the filigree marquetry work on the barrel of the Pen of the Year 2008: a herringbone pattern, fashioned from satinwood – in effect, parquet wrapped around the cylindrical barrel. The effect is fascinating: with every little movement or rotation, individual segments sparkle to produce a fine nuance of effects. The more sophisticated a creative idea, the more feeling it takes to implement it. No fewer than 84 rectangles have to be individually hand-made for the delicate herringbone pattern of the satinwood fountain pen. No two segments are identical: each can be fitted at just a single position on the barrel and matched to its neighbours to produce precisely even joins. Then the barrel is repeatedly polished and varnished, a time-consuming process. The world’s smallest parquet, on the surface of a pen, is a work of perfection.
Crafted with the utmost precision
Crafted with the utmost precision, the Pen of the Year 2008 combines elegant looks, an inimitable feel, and excellent writing qualities. The interplay that develops between the warmly shimmering satinwood tones and the cool platinum-plated metal parts is as impressive in its fine detail as its brilliant overall composition. The masterpiece is crowned by a chessboard-faceted citrine gemstone set in the end cap. The elaborate craftsmanship and the individual figuring of the wood make each and every Pen of the Year 2008 a unique work of art. The 18-carat bicolour gold nib has been run in by hand and is available in widths F, M, and B. The platinum-plated cap conceals the knob for the plunger filling mechanism, on which each pen is individually numbered. A further noteworthy detail is the solid metal clip, hinged and spring-loaded. The Pen of the Year 2008 comes in an exclusive wooden case with a beautifully printed descriptive leaflet and a certificate. That bears the personal signature of Count von Faber-Castell and attests that the pen is one of a limited edition and also that the material is selected genuine satinwood.
by: Tania Ferreira
+44 (0) 1732 771771
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