Even those who are far too old to be going back to school may find themselves, at the start of September, clearing out their pencil case, checking their nibs, browsing for a new notebook. It is a habitual exercise, enjoyable because it is loaded with potential, new beginnings, new achievements. But true stationery geeks don’t need the excuse of the start of term. They are constantly on the look-out for the fanciest new materials for their desks. And, as ever, we are here to help.
L Cornelissen is a treasure trove of artist’s and calligrapher’s materials just around the corner from the British Museum. It sells everything from Chinese calligraphy brushes made of badger hair to goatskin vellum paper and Italian gold leaf. But most covetable are the selection of historic inks for use with dip pens and quills. These are handmade by an English master ink maker in Cambridgeshire, using locally sourced ingredients and following medieval and 18th-century recipes. But which to choose? Sir Issac Newton ink? Doomesday Ink? Or just the classic – oak gall. From £9; cornelissen.com
Founded in Florence in 1774, Pineider produced the first personalised printed letters in Italy and by the 1800s it had become a must-stop on the Grand Tour, popular with paper lovers like Lord Byron and Stendhal. Today it sells all sorts of lovely leather goods, but paper and writing tools remain at the heart of its business. A box of Florentia writing paper, with 24 sheets – watermarked, deckle-edged and weighing 110g – and 24 tissue-lined, embossed envelopes will have you falling in love with letter writing all over again.£82; pineider.com
Amuse yourself in those lonely moments of creative despondency with this anthropomorphic black leather pen pot: a cheerful and friendly presence, especially useful for those who suffer from writer’s block or similar desk-bound afflictions. And if you fancy leaving your desk and hanging out with other like-minded souls, Hindmarch is opening a pop-up stationery concept store (until Oct 16) on Pont Street, stocking a range of colourful and playful rulers, pencil cases, filing solutions and notebooks. £195; anyahindmarch.com
Makers Cabinet was founded in 2017 by a trio of product design graduates who had attended Central St Martins. Their first mission was to transform the lowly sharpener. Their creation – the Hovel – is a thing of beauty: 90g of solid brass with replaceable carbon steel blades (and a walnut wood base is sold separately). Inspired by wood-planing tools, it enables you to whittle your pencil to any desired point, and the unique mechanism means the lead will not twist or snap.£68; makerscabinet.com