Stationery Matters Autumn Winter 2025

Journal Fever

The Power of PERSONALISATION

Stationery does matter

It has been a very busy couple of months since London International Stationery Show, with retailers, buyers, suppliers and dealers all making the most of connections made at the event. Here at Stationery Matters HQ we’ve been out and about attending shows, store openings and meeting people up and down the country. I had a truly eye-opening afternoon exploring Hyper Japan Festival in July, where kawaii stationery rubbed shoulders with anime and cosplay; followed the week after with a day at StationeryFest in Wigan. Let’s just say my washi tape collection grew more than I’d planned!

Many of you may have seen event manager, Chantelle White at one of the many shows she’s been visiting: PG Live, Hyper Japan Festival, Harrogate Home & Gift, Autumn Fair, Top Drawer Autumn, Brand Licensing Europe and the UK London Pen Show. She’s been catching up with exhibitors, discovering new products and spreading the word about London International Stationery Show.

Speaking of which, planning is already well underway for the next edition, which will return to the Business Design Centre on 12-13 May 2026. It might sound like a long way off, but space is already filling up fast. If you’re thinking about exhibiting, don’t leave it too late, get in touch with Chantelle (chantellew@maxpublishing.co.uk) now to secure your spot. It’s shaping up to be another fantastic showcase of creativity, innovation and inspiration for our sector. Read more about it on pages 18 - 19

We’ve got a closer look at journalling (pages 22 - 25). What was once a niche hobby has grown into a thriving sector, fuelled by creativity, mindfulness and the power of analogue connection in an increasingly digital world. “Journalling has become a go-to for the younger generation, especially with the advent of bullet journalling, and the ability to list, organise and be creative all in one place,” said Jonathan Pack, UK sales manager for LEUCHTTURM1917

In our In Depth feature, we explore how to get children writing more. At a time when screens dominate so much of daily life, encouraging young people to pick up a pen has never been more important. We speak to educators and brands about campaigns and innovations designed to make handwriting fun and engaging on pages 20 - 21

Elsewhere in this issue we look at the social side of art, discovering how TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are helping to break down barriers for beginners and driving demand for accessible art supplies (pages 30 - 33). We also go behind the scenes at ExaClair Limited (pages 14 - 15) and shine the spotlight on online retailer, Pen Heaven (pages 16 - 17).

Inside this issue, we’ve got plenty to inspire you as we head towards the festive season and into 2026.

We spoke to several of the inspiring women driving the stationery industry forward, including why they started, proudest moments, advice for others, and of course, their favourite stationery product. Find out more on pages 26 – 29.

Plus there’s the usual round-up of industry news (pages 7 - 11), our retail outlook (page 13) and this month our last word (page 35) belongs to Frances Mollinghoff, managing director of GBA Pen Company who looks back on her father’s incredible career in the writing instrument industry.

Enjoy the read and all the best for Q4.

Michelle Urquhart, editor

Industry

When: Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 June

Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1 0QH

Times: 9.30am-6pm on 2 June (1st night party ‘til 8pm) 9.30am-4.30pm on 3 June

Tel: +44 (0)7734 111633

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

A Mixed Bag For Back-To-School

The back to school period is traditionally one of the busiest times for stationery retailers. So how did retail fare this year?

Stationery Matters finds out…

For national retailer Ryman, the backto-school period remains a cornerstone of its retail calendar. Chloe Danskin,

head of marketing at Ryman, said: “The back-to-school, college or university period certainly remains Ryman’s busiest sales period of the year. At Ryman we experience a large uplift in sales during the key back-to-school period between JulySeptember, this can be as high as 80% for some stores depending on the catchment area.”

Chloe continues: “Our bestselling items this season include the Legami erasable pens farm pack, Pukka metallic A4 jotta notebooks and classic essentials like the Bic Cristal ball point pen 10-pack.” Other top performers for Ryman include: Staedtler Design Journey fibre tips, Zebra Z-Grip black ink ballpoints, Pritt Stick multipacks and Sharpie markers, showing a strong demand for both everyday classroom items and more creative tools.

Meanwhile, online retailer Pen Heaven, known for its curated range of pens and gifting items, reported steady trade through the season. Director David Cole

Studio Pens Attends KaweCon

Kaweco hosted its distributors and agents from around the world at KaweCon in Nuremberg from 29 September to 1 October, with Nikki Devine and Hollie Bottrill, from Studio Pens, both attending.

Nikki Devine was invited to present the story of Studio Pens and its journey with Kaweco and some insights on the UK market. Studio Pens is one of Kaweco’s longest-standing distributors, having started as UK distributor in 2009 with Nikki’s father, Ian. For a relatively small market, the UK packs a punch in the Kaweco community, consistently achieving top five status in Kaweco’s bycountry sales statistics.

Nikki said: “It was an honour to be invited to present at KaweCon 2025 and to showcase the work of Studio Pens for Kaweco in the UK market. It sparked some interesting conversations with other delegates during the rest of the event. It’s always interesting to learn about the experiences of others, and KaweCon was the perfect environment to share experiences and challenge our thinking”.

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highlighted enduring interest in premium pen brands. “It was pretty steady with the usual classic brands popular for back-toschool and back to office, such as Parker and LAMY, along with more playful items from LEGO and Legami,” said David. Ray Williams, owner of independent store JPS Stationers, described this year’s back-to-school trade as “a real conundrum. Summer was very poor for back-to-school sales, apart from a few exceptions. Overall footfall and spending have been down. I think college and university students may now present a more promising market segment, with secondary school purchasing lagging behind expectations.”

Royal Talens Moves Into New Headquarters

Royal Talens moved into its brand new headquarters and factory in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands in September.

The factory is nearly twice the size of the previous location, allowing for larger batch production which reduces waste, transport and packaging needs. Advanced facilities, including new machinery, a dedicated acrylic paint area, and a water purification system all optimise production quality.

The new space also includes the Royal Talens Experience Centre which hosts workshops and masterclasses to learn new techniques and get practical tips. Popular sessions include drybrush and watercolour portraits, pop-art portraits with acrylics and grid method portrait drawing.

Stationery Supplies Marks 20 Years In Business

Independent retailer Stationery Supplies in Marple, Greater Manchester celebrated its 20th birthday with a weekend of festivities in September, marking two decades since owner Sarah Laker swapped her nursing career for a leap into the world of pens, paper and retail.

Reflecting on the journey, Sarah said: “Way back in 2005, I swapped my nursing career and stepped into the world of stationery. With absolutely no clue what I was doing, other than a dream of having my own shop and a love of all things pens and paper, I bought Stationery Supplies and started to wing it.”

Stationery Supplies has become a well-known name in the UK stationery scene, not only for its community-focused

Tom Daley Launches Exclusive Hobbycraft Collection

Olympic champion, and crafting icon Tom Daley has teamed up with Hobbycraft to design and launch a brand new Made With Love by Tom Daley range of crochet and embroidery kits. The 11-piece collection celebrates Tom’s love of yarn crafts with a fun, animal and fruit inspired twist; featuring crochet kits that make dogs, zebras and giraffes, to positive slogan embroidery designs and fun iron-on patches.

Tom Daley commented: “Crafting has been such a big part of my life in recent years; it’s my way to relax and express myself. This is why I am so excited to be launching this brand new Made With Love range exclusively at Hobbycraft as the collection has been designed to inspire creativity while also allowing makers to add their own fun, quirky touch to their crafting experience. I can’t wait to see the results from those making and creating with these new products.”

ethos and curated product range, but also for Sarah’s wider industry contributions, including her work with National Stationery Week.

The celebratory weekend included giveaways and goody bags packed full of samples from suppliers including: Maped Helix, Pentel UK, Stone Marketing, Staedtler UK, Snopake Brands, Exaclair, The Cambridgeshire Confectionery Co, Antali, Exertis and Paper Salad Cards

A special window display included balloons and an over-sized card made by Ohh Deer. A small party on Saturday morning brought together local supporters, agents, account managers, SuperStat members and suppliers for a thank-you celebration (and cake!) in the shop car park.

Enchanting New Inks From Endless Alchemy Inks

Endless, the boutique stationery brand known for its elegant craftsmanship and distinctive writing tools, has unveiled three new additions to its Alchemy ink collection.

Drawing inspiration from celestial forces and elemental contrast, the new inks - Obsidian Moon, Obsidian Sun and Obsidian Sky - explore the interplay of darkness and light through rich black bases and shimmering finishes. Each ink is formulated to be fountain penfriendly, combining visual drama with writing performance for everyday use and special occasions alike.

The Obsidian inks are available now in bottled form via UK distributor, Mann Inc

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Montblanc And Ferrari Launch New Pen Collection

The Montblanc Meisterstück Great Masters Ferrari Tailor Made Classica Special Edition, is the first release in a collection celebrating the art of Ferrari customisation.

The collection takes its cues from Ferrari’s Tailor Made service, which gives clients the freedom to personalise their vehicles with exceptional detail. This edition focuses on the Classica design theme, inspired by the elegance of Ferrari GT sports cars from the 1950s and ’60s.

Marrying Montblanc’s expert craftsmanship with Ferrari’s iconic design language, the pen features a lacquered wood barrel reminiscent of vintage steering wheels, adorned with the famous Prancing Horse emblem. The cap is topped with the Montblanc emblem in Giallo Modena – the signature yellow of Ferrari’s hometown – and finished with platinum-coated trims.

UOE Opens 29 New Stores

The rollout of the new stores for the independent retail stationery and post office chain began on 28 August, with the re-opening of the St Albans outlet

that UOE has taken over following Post Office Ltd’s decision to divest itself of its remaining directly-managed branches (DMB) to postmasters and national brand

LEUCHTTURM1917 At London Graphic Centre

London Graphic Centre, Covent Garden’s iconic destination for artists, designers and stationery enthusiasts, is now home to LEUCHTTURM1917’s first flagship store in London. Visitors can explore the full range of colours, formats and paper types, as well as discover new collections and limited editions.

Michael Want, COO of London Graphic Centre, commented: “We are thrilled to bring LEUCHTTURM1917’s first London flagship to life at London Graphic Centre. This space reflects our ongoing commitment to creativity, design and quality, offering customers a truly immersive experience where they can explore, engage with, and personalise their favourite LEUCHTTURM1917 products.”

Tom’s Studio Launches A Pocket-Sized Pen

The Field Mouse is a beautifully compact pen designed for those moments when inspiration strikes unexpectedly. The Field Mouse is Tom’s Studio’s answer to a question frequently asked by customers: “Do you have a small pen I can carry with me?” The result is a practical, portable and beautiful tool that easily clips to a keyring or lanyard, so it’s always to hand.

It’s available in three classic anodised aluminium colours: blush, lilac and sage, with a brass lid, or in solid stainless steel or brass. True to the brand’s sustainable ethos, the pen is infinitely refillable, with a replaceable tip to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

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partners, and move to a full franchise operation.

In the following 30 working days from end of August through to the start of October the company successfully opened 29 new locations, with three more set to launch in November in Milton Keynes, Stornoway and Kirkwall.

“This expansion brings UOE’s blend of retail and post office services to more communities than ever before – from some of the UK’s most remote locations to the busiest High Streets,” said UOE Stores ceo and postmaster, Elliot Jacobs. “This is one of the biggest and most exciting chapters in UOE’s journey – and we’re so thrilled to be expanding our footprint across the country. Our team is now heading towards 300 people (we have a few more hires to make please see www.UOE.co.uk/jobs) and the excitement doesn’t end there. We have more announcements coming up in a few weeks, including additional openings and relocations.”

Hunter Price Debuts Stranger Things Collab

Hunter Price International is set to launch its debut Stranger Things collection in the UK ahead of its highly anticipated fifth and final season later this year on Netflix.

The cross-category product approach has seen the Stranger Things signature style come to life across hair accessories, water bottles, stationery, reusable shopper bags, cosmetic bags, hot water bottles, gift sets, mugs, accessories and jewellery.

Allana Holmes, commercial director at Hunter Price International, said: “Stranger Things has captivated us all over the years and it’s been a dream assignment for the team to bring the show to life through creative consumer products”.

The Stranger Things collection will be available later this year across the UK and Europe.

Event Round-up

Over the past several months there’s been plenty of events in the stationery world, all highlighting what a wonderful, dynamic sector this is.

Hyper Japan (18-20 July). The UK’s biggest J-culture event brought together an eclectic mix of exhibitors, offering everything from traditional crafts to anime and stationery, including top Japanese stationery brands like Pentel, Zebra, Uniball and Shachihata. It was Zebra Pen’s first Hyper Japan, with marketing manager Lawrence Savage commenting: “The show certainly delivered above our expectations. It was so vibrant, a lot of fun and it was fantastic to engage with a range of end users, which enabled us to gain some valuable insights.”

StationeryFest (25-26 July). Stationery lovers from near and far flocked to The Edge in Wigan for the sold-out consumerfacing StationeryFest, a fun-filled weekend celebrating stationery, journalling, planning, doodling, drawing and more. Divide and Rule were first-time exhibitors, with founder Henry Tovey commenting: “We always love meeting such passionate

like-minded people and you couldn’t ask for a more dedicated crowd than those in attendance. The mix of venue, vendors and workshops made for a very inclusive event and we received such excitement and compliments on our collection.”

CalliFest (14-16 August). This threeday festival hosted by Manuscript Pen Co for World Calligraphy Day, reached over 650,000 people worldwide. The festival featured three virtual workshops with esteemed calligraphers Paul Antonio, Satyam Tank and Milly Withers. “The response to CalliFest has been overwhelmingly positive and makes one thing clear: Calligraphy is not a ‘dying art’, it’s a vibrant, global community of people who want to learn, grow, and enjoy the creative process,” said Corin RyallsGarbett, marketing executive, Manuscript Pen Co.

The Young Stationers Garden Party (15 September). Although blustery weather moved the gathering indoors to the historic Court Room at Stationers’ Hall, the change in setting did nothing to dampen the mood. The event drew a vibrant crowd of

Stone Marketing Showcases New Brands At Top Drawer

Among the key highlights was the introduction of three new brands to the Stone Marketing portfolio: Suatelier, a popular Korean sticker brand; Haco Stickers from Japan’s Greetings Life Inc.; and Yup!, a quirky range of supermarket-inspired pouches with a nostalgic twist. All three proved to be strong talking points and well-received by visitors.

Also drawing attention was the newly launched Legami Monster collection, along with fresh and eye-catching designs from LOQI.

Speaking after the show, managing director Simon Stone noted that conversations with retailers during the show reflected a cautious but upbeat sentiment. “It was insightful to speak with many of our trade customers. While many acknowledged current business challenges and rising costs, the overall mood was one of optimism and hope in the lead-up to the Christmas season.”

Yup! Food pouches are sure to be a hit with retailers.

members – both longstanding and new – as well as prospective Young Stationers keen to engage with the industry network.

London Pen Show (11-12 October). For the first time ever, the show was held over two successful days, with over 180 booths of top pen dealers, pen makers and accessory suppliers. Shinya Masuda, general manager for JPT Europe was at his third show and said: “Overall, there was a fantastic turnout, lots of passionate stationery lovers, and it seems to be growing in popularity each year.”

Gilded of Oxford Opens Retail Store

Luxury stationery brand Gilded of Oxford (formerly Gilded Words) has officially opened the doors to its first brick-andmortar store in north Oxford, marking an exciting milestone for the fast-growing boutique brand.

Known for its elegant desk accessories, nature inspired notebooks, and heritage-inspired paper goods, Gilded of Oxford has until now operated primarily online and through select retail partners. The launch of its first physical storefront represents not only a celebration of growth but also a strategic evolution.

“Opening a store as a small independent brand is incredibly meaningful,” said Samantha Salvatorelli, founder of Gilded of Oxford. “We’ve always believed that stationery should be felt, tested and experienced and now we finally have a space where customers can do exactly that. I love the doodles they leave us on the pen testing station!”

TOP STORY BOSS Awards Shortlist

The BOSS Awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the UK business supplies industry. This prestigious event honours individuals and businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement and innovation. The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on 27 November.

Among the list of awards to be given out at the ceremony is the Independent Retailer of the Year, with three retailers on the shortlist: Axminster Printing in Axminster, JPS Stationers in Chesham and Morgans Stationery in Kentish Town, London.

Ray Williams, owner of JPS Stationers said about making the shortlist: “We’re really chuffed to be nominated again in the independent retailer category. There are so many excellent businesses in this category, all working hard to survive these challenging times, so I’m especially delighted to be noticed.”

Jane Rockett, owner of Axminster Print is “absolutely delighted” to have been shortlisted. “As a proudly independent, family-run business at the heart of Axminster, this recognition is a true testament to the dedication and hard work we put into the business. For us, it’s all about providing exceptional service alongside quality products that help our

customers and community thrive. Being recognised alongside other outstanding independents is an honour, and we’re incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and suppliers for their continued support.”

Nemo Office Club ’s Keep It Local campaign has made the shortlist for Campaign of the Year, with Alan Calder, marketing manager commenting: “We are delighted that the Keep It Local campaign has been shortlisted for the second time in three years. Over the past 12 months we have taken the campaign to another level by engaging with MPs up and down the country, across all parties, arranging for them to meet with our members to discuss how members can engage more within the business community, advice on grant or financial options and to raise the profile of their business, and the campaign at large.”

Meanwhile, ExaClair Limited, the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, has been shortlisted as a finalist in

IN SHORT

At this year’s London Design Festival, Moleskine championed pen and paper at Brain Gym, an immersive three-day experience held from 16–18 September at Design London Shoreditch. The space offered the public a series of workshops and space to sit and write or doodle.

Pentel has unveiled its latest special edition EnerGel with the EnerGel Kiriko collection, inspired by traditional Japanese glassware known as Kiriko, which has its roots in the Edo period and is designated as a national traditional handicraft.

ExaClair ’s head of commercial sales, Keeley Shepherd will be leaving the business later this year to pursue new opportunities within the industry. Sam Bell will be stepping into the role of account manager, a natural next step for someone so well-known across the industry.

Staedtler has appointed Thomas Randrup as its new managing director for the UK. Thomas brings with him a distinguished background in the toy and hobby industry, having held senior leadership roles across several prominent companies in the sector. Most recently, he served as country manager for UK and Ireland at Tactic Games.

the Sustainable Leadership Award. “Being shortlisted for the Sustainability Leadership Award is a great recognition of our ongoing work to make everyday workspaces greener. From using recycled materials to improving how our products are made, sustainability is something we’re continually building into everything we do,” said Ellie Castle, senior marketing executive.

Stationers gear up for bright Q4

New products, strong summer trading and a surge in early seasonal sales have set the tone for a positive end to the year. We ask four stationers how business has been so far and what’s driving their confidence as Christmas approaches.

Nish Kanabar, DIRECTOR, CASTLEGATE STATIONERY ART AND TOYS, WETHERBY

THE YEAR TO DATE: We have worked really hard in 2025, working closely with suppliers bringing in new ranges from Faber-Castell, Penac, Pentel, Pilot Pens and Legami

ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Sales were positive this year, spreading out from before schools/colleges broke up for the summer, well into September.

ON Q4: We are just starting to bring into store festive lines and are well through the season for dated lines like calendars and diaries. Seasonal shopping started in our stores a few weeks ago, and this will build as we get closer to December.

HOT SELLERS: Legami lines continue to perform well, as do new launches from Kaweco, Pentel, Penac, Stabilo and FaberCastell. In the art department Rosa and Daler-Rowney are doing well and the relaunch of Reeves painting materials from Winsor & Newton. Our own label range of products are our best sellers and as we work with UK manufacturers to produce products from sustainable sources from card to pads to artist brushes.

Danielle Stanley, OWNER, UNDERTHE ROWANTREES .CO.UK

THE YEAR TO DATE: We’ve had a fantastic year. Winning Online Stationery Retailer at the Stationery Awards was obviously a highlight, but our website has been busier than ever.

ON Q4: It’s off to a fantastic start. Our little cabin is overflowing with new products, and we are being kept extremely busy packing lots of gorgeous orders for our loyal customers.

CHRISTMAS STOCK: The new gift sets from Tom’s Studio have just arrived, and they are absolutely gorgeous. I’m excited to see what Archer & Olive have planned for its winter collection, too.

HOT SELLERS: As always, the Archer & Olive launches have been incredibly popular recently, along with the Legami Halloween range, which sold out in record time.

Violet Daniels, CONTENT AND MARKETING, OFFICESTATIONERY. CO.UK

THE YEAR TO DATE: We’ve had some months that have been very busy, and some that have been a lot quieter. But what we’ve really noticed throughout the year is how diverse the office supplies sector is becoming, as we’ve had some truly random orders. Like many dealers, we started as a traditional pen and paper stationery business, but now we’re starting to realise how important diversification is and are focusing our efforts on that.

ON Q4: We’ve got some exciting promotions with brands coming out over the next few months, so keep an eye out for that during Halloween and Christmas.

HOT SELLERS: Diaries for next year have been popular since summer. I’m amazed at how organised everyone is for 2026. We also saw a surge in popularity for revision cards not just during exam season, but before and after the typical months, which goes to prove they are useful for students all year round.

Antonia Secchi, OWNER, THE WRITE STUFF, EDINBURGH

THE YEAR TO DATE: We’re very fortunate to be on a flourishing high street in a part of Edinburgh which is growing in popularity for visitors all year round. This has been reflected in a busy year and increased sales for us. We have just taken on a fifth part time member of staff so that I can work from home more and try and get some ‘life’ back into the work-life balance.

ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL: In Scotland we break up at the end of June and go back to school in mid-August, so it’s always a struggle to get the ‘back to school’ stock in time. Suppliers’ time scales are geared to the much later English holiday dates. We did notice an increase in students in September, some coming in with parents to kit them out in stationery supplies when dropping them off at uni, and others discovering the shop once term had begun.

ON Q4: The end of the year is flying towards us and we’re definitely noticing customers buying gifts for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS STOCK: At Christmas we usually add in a range of Talking Tables family games and stocking fillers. We continue to grow our range of Japanese stationery and journalling supplies in response to demand. One of the team is just back from three weeks in Japan and confirmed we are bang on trend with the ranges we offer.

HOT SELLERS: Over the last three months some of our top sellers - in both quantity and turnover - have been Coffeenotes Wirebound Medio notebooks, Peter Pauper sticker books, Legami erasable pens, LEUCHTTURM1917 academic diaries and some quirky postcards of the area by a local artist in her 80s.

Heritage meets innovation

With a heritage that stretches back over a century, ExaClair Limited has a rich portfolio of industry favourites such as Rhodia, Clairefontaine, Exacompta, Jacques Herbin, Blockx and Décopatch. And as the demand for sustainable, well-crafted stationery continues to grow, the company is ready to write its next chapter.

ExaClair Limited, is the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group and represents a portfolio that spans everyday office essentials, luxury writing products, arts and crafts and premium fine art materials. Its story in the UK goes back to 1897 when Tollit and Harvey began producing accounting books in London. As the business grew, it later developed document wallets and other stationery essentials, establishing the foundation of the Guildhall brand.

BELOW: Europa

Notemaker is a classic range of stationery, known for bright card with mottled patterns.

In 1967 the company relocated to King’s Lynn in Norfolk, where Guildhall products continue to be manufactured today. In 2008, the business became part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, marking the start of a new chapter.

“The acquisition by Exacompta Clairefontaine allowed us to introduce leading European brands such as Exacompta, Clairefontaine, Rhodia, Décopatch, Jacques Herbin, Blockx and more into the UK market,” says Ellie Castle, senior marketing executive. “Today, ExaClair Limited connects these brands with retailers, businesses and creatives across the country, combining heritage with a focus on quality, sustainability and innovation.”

The past five years have tested even the most robust businesses, and ExaClair Limited is no exception. “The pandemic accelerated hybrid working and digital dependence, but it also renewed appreciation for the analogue,” says Ellie. “The stationery market has become increasingly design-led. Colour, texture and material choice now influence buying decisions more than ever. There has also been a shift towards multifunctional products that adapt to modern ways of working.”

Consumers now expect their stationery to be not only practical, but beautiful, sustainable and suited to flexible work environments. That’s a tall order, but one that ExaClair Limited is well-positioned to meet.

Rhodia is one of the company’s most recognisable and best-loved brands, with its top-stapled pads and notebooks

performing strongly across education, professional and creative markets. The combination of premium paper and clean, functional design has kept it a customer favourite for decades.

“Rhodia has an incredibly loyal following,” says Ellie. “It’s loved by students, professionals and creatives for its smooth paper and simple, functional design. You’ll find it in classrooms, offices and studios alike.”

Clairefontaine’s fine art papers have also seen exceptional growth. Pastelmat, AquaPad and Paint’On are among the top performers, valued by artists for their quality, durability and ability to handle a wide range of techniques. These ranges have become staples in art retailers and continue to attract both professional artists and students.

Within filing and office products, Exacompta’s Iderama range stands out for its vibrant colours and durability, appealing to both business and home office users. Europa’s Notemaker continues to hold its place as a reliable everyday choice, and Guildhall’s UKmade manilla files remain a constant across offices and education.

Then there’s the more expressive side of the portfolio. Jacques Herbin attracts writers, artists and collectors who value craftsmanship and calligraphy, while Blockx is admired by professional

artists for its pigment strength and heritage. Cernit and Décopatch continue to grow among makers and crafters who appreciate versatility and the creative freedom it offers.

Consumer values are shifting and sustainability is now a clear factor in purchasing decisions. ExaClair Limited’s response has been proactive and farreaching, drawing on the environmental leadership of its parent group.

“Because the Exacompta Clairefontaine group owns its own paper mills, we have direct control over sourcing and production, ensuring materials meet high environmental standards,” Ellie notes. “Across our brands we use FSC(C002321) and PEFC certified papers, recycled fibres and durable materials that are built to last. Many of Exacompta’s new products now carry recognised environmental accreditations such as Blue Angel,

reflecting the progress being made within product development. The AutentiK range is a great example, made entirely from recycled materials.”

The coming months promise several exciting additions to ExaClair Limited’s already diverse offering. “Rhodia is expanding its collection with a new line of fountain pens. Jacques Herbin has also introduced two new ink colours, each with its own distinctive tone and story,” says Ellie.

Next year Exacompta will launch two completely new ranges that combine practicality with sustainable design. “And for Clairefontaine, there are some exciting additions and updates on the way, including changes to existing ranges and a few surprises that we think customers will love,” Ellie promises.

The company’s strategic direction looks strong too, with Ellie saying: “Our main priority is to strengthen our core categories and ensure each of our brands continues to grow within its market.” For example, Rhodia continues to grow in high street and luxury retail, while Clairefontaine deepens its presence in the art and education sectors.

“Exacompta will continue to develop its sustainable filing and desk ranges,” says Ellie. “And we are also focused on growing Blockx as a professional artist standard for pastels, oils and acrylics.”

Despite the digital shift, Ellie remains confident in the enduring value of paper. “Digital tools have changed how people plan, communicate and store information, but they haven’t replaced the need for paper. In many cases, they’ve encouraged a more intentional use of stationery. People might plan or share ideas digitally, but they still turn to paper when they want to focus, sketch or think clearly.

“Writing by hand has a different rhythm and impact. It helps ideas develop in a way that screens can’t replicate. We think stationery continues to play a vital role alongside digital tools rather than in competition with them,” Ellie sums up.

RHODIA LANDS AT RETAIL

summer,

installed a dedicated Rhodia in-store island at London Graphic Centre in Covent Garden.

The new branded space puts Rhodia front and centre in one of London’s most respected creative retail hubs, offering customers a full range of the brand’s signature products, from its classic stapled pads to a wide selection of premium stationery.

“London Graphic Centre is proud to present Rhodia’s first dedicated instore island unit in the UK,” says Michael Want, chief operating officer for London Graphics Centre. “This upgrade reflects our commitment to showcasing the world’s leading stationery brands and delivering an elevated experience for our Covent Garden customers.”

TOP PRODUCT

Rhodia’s Couleurs top-stapled pads have become a high street favourite this year. The same smooth, high-quality paper now comes in a fresh range of colours that feel bright, modern and full of life.

From soft blush and deep berry to cool teal, the Couleur range brings a touch of style to everyday notes. Practical, good-looking and unmistakably Rhodia, they have found their place among stationery lovers who appreciate both colour and quality.

Writing the next chapter

Pen Heaven has been in business for 20 years, starting life as a wholesaler, selling premium writing instruments into the UK market. In 2008 it made the jump to retail e-commerce, and never looked back. Stationery Matters catches up with managing director David Cole and his wife and business partner, Caroline, to find out more.

Two decades ago, a littleknown ergonomic pen set in motion the story of Coles Pen Company. In the early 2000s, the directors attended a trade show where they discovered the Yoropen, an ergonomic pen unlike anything seen in the UK market at the time. It caught the attention of major retailers and they knew they were onto something.

David Cole joined the family business in 2008 and was tasked with breaking the business into the burgeoning world of e-commerce and Pen Heaven was born. “Back then online retail was nothing like it is today, it was just starting to take off. We knew we had to be different from others, so decided that we would focus on gift-giving and personalisation. We invested in an old-fashioned diamond engraving machine and went from there. In the early days I did nearly all the engraving myself. And about 80% of our orders wanted engraving, so that kept me very busy.”

Once Pen Heaven started to take off, it gradually reduced the

wholesale business. Today, engraving and gift-giving is at the heart of Pen Heaven’s offering, with around half of all orders featuring some form of customisation. The most popular pens for engraving include the Cross Bailey, Parker IM Rituals, Kaweco Brass Sport and Waterman Hemisphere, each adding a touch of personality and sentiment to gift-giving.

“It’s hard to say how much business is gifting, as you don’t always know if a pen is being given as a gift,” says David. “But gift sets are very popular. We have some beautiful ones by Sheaffer at around £30-£50, which seems to be the sweet spot for gift sets.”

Engraving is just part of a broader customer experience strategy. “It’s the little things that count,” says David. Whether it’s making sure an engraved pen is presented the right way up in its box, or including a gift receipt without showing the price, Pen Heaven sweats the small stuff. It also offers same-day dispatch for orders placed before 3pm, including personalised items, which “is one

thing that is consistently mentioned in our customers reviews,” David says proudly.

While many e-commerce retailers have distanced themselves from personal interactions, Pen Heaven has embraced them. “We make sure customers know how to get in touch with us. We have a phone number, that’s actually quite rare these days,” David notes. This accessibility, combined with fast delivery and attention to detail, has earned Pen Heaven a reputation for customer service that’s reflected in glowing reviews.

Despite its old-world product focus, Pen Heaven is fully immersed in content marketing. The brand’s approach is human and authentic,

TOP

From playful pieces that embrace the trend for fun, characterful stationery to sophisticated gifts that reflect the growing appreciation for analogue experiences, these are Caroline and David’s Christmas must-haves:

PICKS FOR CHRISTMAS FOR FUN

David’s Pick:

LEGO Harry Potter Pen Pal Gift Set

“This magical collection combines the love for LEGO with the ongoing Harry Potter phenomenon. The broomstick gel pen, themed stationery items, and beautiful magnetic closure gift box make this an instant winner.”

Caroline’s Pick:

Legami Unicorn Stationery Gift Set

“This exclusive set captures the unicorn trend that shows no sign of slowing down. With a 2-in-1 silicone pencil case, gel pens, page markers and adhesive notes, it has everything needed for organised creativity and is and incredibly Instagram-worthy.”

featuring its own team members in product demos and unboxing videos. Caroline oversees the marketing for the business. “We like to use our own images and content, rather than that supplied by the brands,” says Caroline. “It gives our content our own personal touch.”

Social media has become a key growth channel, particularly around seasonal gifting occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day and graduation. Meanwhile, email marketing remains vital, with targeted campaigns that respond to the calendar and customer behaviours alike. The team also creates curated product collections on both its website and socials, simplifying gift buying for busy customers.

Another surprising success has been pre-ordering for limited-edition products. “It’s a great way to build hype,” Caroline explains. “Retro 51 often releases pens in limited numbers, so we use social media to create a buzz and that notion that customers need to move quick or miss out.”

As the business has grown, so too

FOR A THOUGHTFUL GIFT

David’s Pick:

Parker IM Black Gold Trim Fountain Pen

“For the discerning recipient who appreciates quality, the Parker IM remains our top recommendation. The black lacquer with gold trim is timelessly elegant, and our in-house engraving service transforms it into a meaningful, personal gift.”

Caroline’s Pick:

Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint

“For those who appreciate heritage and quality, the Cross Century represents over 175 years of writing instrument expertise. With personalised engraving, it becomes a gift that celebrates both the recipient and the giver’s thoughtfulness.”

has its product range. “When we started I would say our product range was very serious,” David reflects. “There was a lot of black and silver. Over the years that has changed and we now cater to a wide range of tastes. Yes, we still have some very traditional brands, like Parker, Waterman, Sheaffer and Cross, and these make up a large portion of our business, particularly the gifting and personalisation side of business. But we are seeing huge growth in quirky brands, such as LEGO, Retro 51, Ferris Wheel Press and of course, like everyone, Legami.”

In recent years, Pen Heaven has noticed several clear trends shaping its business. Bottled ink sales, for one, are booming, fuelled in part by beautiful shimmer inks from brands like Ferris Wheel Press. This has gone hand-in-hand with a renewed interest in fountain pens, as customers seek a link to the past.

Then there’s the unstoppable rise of Legami erasable pens. “It’s impossible to predict where this is going,” David admits. “We started with 100 units

two Christmases ago. Now we take 1,000 at each release and still sell out. Collectability is absolutely key with Legami. Customers will buy every new release when it comes out.”

Fashion-led desk accessories also represent a growing opportunity, particularly as hybrid work continues. Brands like Kreafunk, a new Danish design brand now featured on the site, are helping customers create beautiful workspaces at home.

In terms of growth, currently 60% of Pen Heaven’s sales are in the UK, with 40% going international, mainly to the US, Canada and Australia. While UK sales have been affected by costof-living concerns and post-lockdown consumer caution, international markets are proving resilient.

Looking ahead, Pen Heaven is keen to tap into a more specialist demographic: the pen connoisseur. “Our main market, and the one we target with our marketing comms, is the lifestyle and gifting customer,” says David. “But the one demographic I think we could really grow is the pen connoisseur. We have some beautiful niche products, like Opus 88 and Twsbi. I’d like to start reaching out to the connoisseur more. We’d need to make some specialist content, but that is an area we’re keen to explore.”

popular.

The countdown begins for London International Stationery Show

INSET RIGHT:

There are a wide range of brands at the show spanning the stationery, arts, crafts, paper and writing instruments industries.

BELOW: The Business Design Centre will once again play host to close to 200 exhibitors.

London International Stationery Show 2025 was a record-breaker, with the most visitors through the door on day one in the show’s history. The show was crammed full of newness, chat, fun, gossip, creativity, deals, and competitions – as well as lots of business over the two days.

Among the many retail buyers who were inspired by the 150-plus exhibitors were Card Zone, Cass Art, Cult Pens, Dobbies, Flying Tiger, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Jarrolds, John Lewis, London Graphic Centre, M&S, Morrisons, Hobbycraft, Liberty London, National Trust, Next, Papier, Pen Heaven, Postmark, Ryman, Sainsbury’s, Science Museum, Scribbler,

Selfridges, Tesco, TG Jones, The Works and Waterstones, as well as a veritable who’s who of leading indies.

Plans are now well under way for the 2026 edition of the show, which attracts the biggest UK and international brands, through to exciting new designers and innovative startups, all under one roof giving visitors the chance to explore an exciting edit of new products and names alongside recognised bestsellers.

“This year we welcomed just over 150 exhibitors to the show and 2026 is going to be even bigger,” enthuses Chantelle White, event manager for London International Stationery Show. “We’ve had so much interest from exhibitors that we’ve had to expand the Boutique Collection, which now takes up the entire ground floor when you walk in and we’ve opened up even more space on the galleries. We’re aiming to have about 180 exhibitors for 2026. We’ve still got space, but it is selling fast, so if you want to know more about exhibiting, make sure you get in touch.”

Some of the leading brands already signed up for 2026 include: A-Journal, Alligator Product, Artline & Xstamper, Blueprint Collections, BlueSky Designs, Brainbox Candy, Carousel Calendars, Charfleet Book Bindery, Crayola, Cre8 Direct, Daler-Rowney, Designworks Inc, Diarpell, Edding, Exacompta Clairefontaine, Hainenko, Hook-LoopTapes, Hunter Price, IG Design Group UK, Jacksons, Jakar International,

JPT Europe, Kaweco, Kinary, LEUCHTTURM1917, Love Writing Co, Main Paper SL, Mann Inc, Manuscript & Manuscript Brands, Maped Helix, Mitsubishi Pencil Co UK, N Smith Box, Nu:notebooks, Octopus by Univerzal, Paperblanks, Pebeo UK, Pelltech, Pentel, Portico Designs, Puckator, Pukka Pads, Pyramid International, Rhino Stationery, Robert Frederick, Royal & Langnickel, Royal Talens, Semikolon, Silvine/Artgecko, Snopake, Stabilo International, Staedtler, Stone Marketing, Sylvamo UK, Talia Products, Tallon International, The Pilot Pen Company, Trodat UK, Turnaround, Ultratape, West Design Products, Wigston Global and Zebra Pen.

Kaweco is represented at the show by Studio Pens and Lizzie Atkins, marketing and sales executive says:

“This year was another great show for Studio Pens. London International Stationery Show is always one of our highlights of the year. It’s full of a variety of both buyers and exhibitors who are passionate for stationery and it shows. I always love putting faces to names when we go, as many of our stationery customers visit each year.

“The Kaweco DIY Sport is a crowd pleaser, everyone loves making their own Kaweco fountain pen and it always is a great success. We are looking forward to bringing some new and exciting Kaweco products that are launching in 2026. It will be our head of sales, Hollie Bottrill’s first show

with Studio Pens and she is looking forward to catching up with everyone.”

Mann Inc is returning to the show next year, with director Kim Mann commenting: “We had a fantastic experience at the 2025 London International Stationery Show. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with both new and long-standing customers, as well as discover the incredible creativity and innovation happening across the industry. We’re already looking forward to returning for the 2026 show. It’s always a highlight in our calendar.”

Having had a few years’ break, Artline returned this year and will be back in 2026 “bigger, better, and bolder than ever,” according to Jessica Plunkett, marketing coordinator at Shachihata EU. “After the success of our return to the show this year, we’re absolutely delighted to announce Artline’s return for the 2026 event. London International Stationery Show is always such an inspiring event, being surrounded by the best in the business, connecting with industries, and celebrating creativity and innovation in the stationery world. For Artline, it’s an unmissable opportunity to connect directly with retailers, designers, and stationery enthusiasts from far and wide, who share our same passion for quality, colour, and self-expression.”

One of the highlights for many visitors is the show’s Boutique

Collection; a carefully curated section centred around innovation with quirky, independent suppliers presenting their product offerings. This year the section has expanded to include even more suppliers. Among those exhibiting this year are AIM Studio Co, Amy Britton, Andhand, Batik Ying, By Anika, Coffeenotes, De Kempen, Dodolulu , Emily May, Fab Dab Do, Fawn & Thistle, Gilded Words, Good Tuesday, House of Tula, Impact Stationery, Intelligent Change, Les Pensionnaires, Lione & Sheikh, Little Green Paper Shop, Raspberry Blossom, Rebel Stationery, RebelJones, Roamie, Roomytown, Scriveiner, Storigraphic, The Crafty Kit Company, Tom’s Studio, VENT For Change and Wild Hart Rituals.

Tom’s Studio had a great show this year and is returning next year. “London International Stationery Show is always a real highlight of our year. It’s a brilliant opportunity to connect with our customers, retail partners and the wider creative community. We’ve launched 16 new products this year, and with some big new things on the horizon, we’re especially excited to share what we’ve been working on at the 2026 show,” says Chris Seigal, commercial director, Tom’s Studio.

In addition to the exhibitors on the show floor, the finalists of the Stationery Awards will be showcased, with the winners announced at a freeto-attend event at the end of the first day. There will also be an extensive talks and workshops programme, as well as many exhibitors demo’ing products on their stands. Details are still being confirmed, keep an eye on StationeryNews.net for all the latest information about the show.

SHOW ESSENTIALS

WHEN:

Tuesday and Wednesday, 12-13 May 2026

WHERE:

Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH

OPENING HOURS: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday, 9.30am-4pm Wednesday

WEBSITE: stationeryshowlondon.co.uk

ENTRY: FREE for stationery buyers, retailers, wholesalers, licensors and licensees.

EXHIBIT: Contact Chantelle White, chantellew@maxpublishing.co.uk or +44 (0)7795 951244 for more on exhibiting and sponsorship.

SCAN QR CODE FOR MORE INFO:

JOIN THE STAMP RALLY

For the first time at London International Stationery Show, visitors will be able to take part in a Stamp Rally sponsored by Shachihata. Stamp rallies (Kasane oshi) are a popular activity in Japan where participants travel around to selected locations to collect ink stamps in booklets. Shachihata’s Stamp Rally at the show will see visitors given a postcard, then finding the five stamp stations at the show, getting a stamp at each to build up a picture on their postcard.

Jessica Plunkett, marketing coordinator at Shachihata EU, explains: “We had the Stamp Rally at Hyper Japan (a consumer show in July in London celebrating Japanese culture), where thousands of visitors took part across the weekend. We had five stamp stations across the venue, each one revealing more of the artwork, until an intricate image was revealed at the end. It created such a buzz on the show floor; people loved the challenge of hunting down stamps and taking home a creative keepsake. The response was so positive we knew we had to bring that same energy and interactivity to London International Stationery Show in 2026.”

Write back to learning

In a world where children are increasingly immersed in screens from a young age, how can we encourage children to not only write, but enjoy it too? Stationery Matters takes a closer look at organisations rewriting the rules on learning for the next generation.

INSET TOP

LEFT: Children’s letters to their future selves were published in an anthology by Pilot Pen UK.

TOP: Teachers have a vital role to play in teaching handwriting

BELOW: Crayola

Creativity

Week includes numerous educational resources, inspirational videos, daily challenges and downloads all designed around the curriculum.

“In a world dominated by screens, handwriting remains fundamentally important for a child’s development,” says Nicola Romaine, national education lead for primary English at Twinkl. “The act of writing by hand offers key cognitive and learning benefits that typing does not.”

From improving memory retention to enhancing the letter recognition, Nicola sees handwriting as a crucial tool for learning in the digital age. “Research suggests pupils produce better-quality writing when they handwrite. Achieving fluency is crucial because it frees up a pupil’s working memory to focus on the content and quality of their ideas.”

The Department for Education (DfE) Writing Framework and the new Ofsted inspection framework both emphasise the importance of early handwriting instruction. The 2017 Ofsted Bold Beginnings report highlighted that many five-year-olds lack fundamental skills like correct pencil grip and proper sitting posture, crucial for future writing success.

“To improve outcomes, schools should adopt a whole-school approach,” Nicola says. “That means explicit daily handwriting lessons, sequenced instruction from Reception onwards, prioritising foundational skills such as gross and fine motor development and correct letter formation before moving to joined writing.”

She adds that teachers should model excellent handwriting and ensure support is inclusive, especially for left-handed pupils. “The Twinkl Handwriting Scheme is really great and directly supports this vision, offering a progressive scheme that uses explicit instruction and engaging resources to build fluency, reduce cognitive load, and ensure inclusive practice for all pupils, including those with SEND,” says Nicola.

While schools carry much of the responsibility, industry partnerships can be powerful too. “The stationery industry can support writing development by prioritising ergonomics,” Nicola explains. “Designing and promoting appropriately sized pencils and pens, grip-supports, finger markers and

softer pencils for left-handed pupils can facilitate a correct grip and prevent bad habits.”

This view is echoed by leading stationery brands which are making it their mission to inspire children to write more.

Cheri Sterman, senior director of education at Crayola, emphasises the importance of hand-brain connections.

“Research shows that when children hold a crayon, marker or coloured pencil and write or draw their ideas, it has a significant impact on learning. They understand subjects more deeply and remember information longer when they sketch and write notes rather than tap on computer keys.”

Crayola’s products are all designed with children in mind. “We study children’s hand grasp, eye-hand coordination, pull strength, and dexterity and we design products that help children build skills in all those areas,” says Cheri. “We have a child development specialist on staff who advises product development teams on what children need and want. We have a strong history of incorporating educational pedagogy, as well as

cognitive psychology into the products and programmes we deliver.”

Its flagship educational campaign is Crayola Creativity Week, an annual, global celebration of children’s creativity that is built around the educational standards of 15 countries, including the UK, and is free for schools to participate in. In addition to this, the Crayola Campaign for Creativity focuses on families with easy ideas for creative moments on its website and social platforms.

For Pilot Pen UK, storytelling and emotional connection are central to making writing relevant and fun. “One of the main challenges is perception of writing being boring,” says Adam Smith, marketing manager. “Many children associate writing with exams or rigid rules rather than creativity. The key is to reframe writing as something playful, expressive and relevant to their own experiences and future.”

Pilot Pen UK’s Dear Future Self campaign invited children to write letters to their future selves, encouraging them to think about their dreams, goals and who they want to become. “It was designed to show that writing can be deeply personal, reflective, and inspiring - not just

something you do in the classroom,” says Adam. From the campaign came an anthology of the children’s letters. “Collecting their words in a published format not only celebrated their creativity but also gave them the thrill of seeing their writing valued and shared.”

At Pentel UK, colour and creativity are the keys to getting children excited about writing. “It is well documented that handwriting improves cognitive function, but it’s important children don’t see it as a chore,” says Wendy Vickery, marketing manager. Pentel’s wide range of colourful products give children tools to express themselves. “Offering children a choice of colours for creative work means they will consider writing and doodling fun rather than a necessity.”

Several products in the Pentel collection offer a wide range of colours, as well as the opportunity to allow kids to write on different surfaces. “The Hybrid DualMetallic gel pen range has 15 gorgeous dual-tone colours that write a different shade on dark or light coloured paper,” says Wendy. “The iZee ballpoint pen range was designed with a young user group in mind, and the 4-Colour version of the pen is easy for small hands to hold. And the awardwinning Mattehop range can write on glossy paper and photos; perfect for school projects and scrapbooking.”

Across the board, the call for collaboration is clear. Brands are eager to work with teachers, and teachers need support. “Listen to educators,” urges Cheri from Crayola. “Support

PILOT PEN CHAMPIONS YOUNG VOICES

Pilot Pen UK has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to support the Young City Poets campaign, a programme designed to inspire children in urban areas to engage with creative writing. “We’ve always believed in the power of the written word to inspire and connect,” says Adam Smith, marketing manager at Pilot Pen UK. “This campaign gives children a platform where writing feels relevant, fun and empowering, rather than just a school task.”

A PEN SHAPED BY TEACHERS

Launched in 2024, the Staedtler Noris Handwriting Pen has been developed with direct input from educators, and is designed to meet the real demands of schools, from sustainability to durability. Staedtler’s Teachers’ Club (a free online platform supporting KS1 and KS2 educators) distributed over 500 tester packs early in 2024. Feedback collected through an online survey revealed that 95% of teachers would recommend the Noris Handwriting Pen.

Based on teacher preferences, the Noris Handwriting Pen launched in five colours, black, blue, green, red and purple. In 2025, five additional colours have been released, including bright yellow, magenta pink, delft blue, warm sepia and pale green.

the research and honour the field by supporting what teachers already know; that students need hands-on experiences to learn.”

Twinkl’s Nicola also believes that policymakers have a role to play in mandating daily handwriting instruction and investing in foundational teacher training. “We need clarity on the curriculum and increased teacher training investment, especially for SEND students,” she says.

By encouraging self-expression and confidence through poetry, Pilot hopes to spark a lifelong appreciation for writing and help young people find their voice.

Artline’s stamps have taken off in popularity with the journalling community.

BOTTOM: The Jot & Journal gift set from Coral &

The boomjournalling

Once a niche hobby, journalling has become a mainstream movement, fuelled by social media, a focus on wellbeing and a love of analogue creativity. The rise of journalling is reshaping the UK stationery market and inspiring a new generation to pick up pen and paper.

Like many creative arts, journalling has risen in popularity since the Covid pandemic and lockdowns. “Many people had more time at home, life slowed down, there was a stronger focus on mental wellbeing and people found new pastimes,” says Becki Cross, founder of StationeryFest, a consumer show for lovers of stationery. “There was an explosion of YouTube videos and people sharing journalling content on social media, creating an even stronger online community.”

She was one of many who began documenting not only their personal experiences but what was happening in the wider world. “Many people were journalling history throughout

the lockdowns and I have no doubt that historians will have lots of rich journal entries from this time,” she reflects. “It sounds a little morbid now but I used to record the death count and the newspaper headlines each day to get the world view, before drilling down to my day-to-day thoughts.”

Journalling isn’t new. It has centuries-old roots, from travel diaries to wartime notebooks. But in the last five years, it has grown from a niche hobby into a mainstream movement. From bullet journalling to junk journals, putting pen to paper has become central to how many people process, plan and play.

One of the defining features of this new wave of journalling is its inclusivity. “It definitely spans across the generations and is accessible to anyone with even just some basic supplies,” says Becki. “I encourage my children to journal and get creative and it is great to get them away from screens to do something more wholesome.”

That widening appeal is something echoed across the industry. Kia Marie Hunt, the author, illustrator and journal-obsessed founder of Kia Creates, says: “Journalling definitely seems to have a wider appeal now. It doesn’t feel like such a niche little hobby anymore, it’s more like everyone I speak to either journals or is thinking about getting started, and honestly the more the merrier.”

Online retailer, Coral & Ink has seen this shift firsthand in its customer base: “With social media popularising journalling so much, there’s definitely been a major increase in the amount of younger people taking it up. But, in our store, we’ve noticed more older customers saying they want to change up their routine and give journalling a go,” says a spokesperson for the brand.

Jonathan Pack, UK sales manager of LEUCHTTURM1917, notes that it’s become a true everyday companion for many: “Journalling has become a go-to for the younger generation,

especially with the advent of bullet journalling, and the ability to list, organise and be creative all in one place. It’s become a must-have accessory next to the smartphone.”

Journalling’s boom is inseparable from social media. Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are filled with monthly spreads, daily routines, stationery hauls and creative tutorials. “Seeing snapshots of someone journalling on

Instagram or TikTok is intriguing. It draws you in, offers inspiration and then fuels you to run to the nearest stationery shop and buy all the kit to give it a go yourself,” says Emily Gregory-Stone, marketing director of Stone Marketing

For brands, this digital landscape has created opportunities to connect directly with consumers. Jessica Plunkett, marketing coordinator at Shachihata EU, says, “There has been a boom in journalling creators sharing their work, inspiration, tips and tricks, and when people see that, they get inspired and want to give it a go themselves.”

Journalling’s popularity isn’t just about aesthetics. Many cite its mental health benefits as a major driver. “Journalling is a wonderful tool to help you gain insight into your brain,” says Marina Goudsblom, founder of A-Journal. “It is easy to get caught up in daily tasks and rush through the week, and we don’t always pay attention to all the things our mind is chattering about. Taking the time to write things down doesn’t only clear the mind, it also invites us to stand still and check in with whatever is going on inside.”

Becki has seen an explosion of interest in Julia Cameron’s morning pages concept, where people write freely each morning as a form of selfreflection. “At the same time, there is a massive rise in popularity of creative journalling, scrapbooking, junk journalling, collage and art journalling too,” she adds. “I think people realised more than ever the benefits this simple hobby could bring, whatever approach you take.”

This versatility is part of its charm: for some, it’s about structure and productivity. For others, it’s about mindfulness, art or memory-keeping. Kia sums it up: “Journalling has always been a great tool for mindfulness and staying present, as well as a really freeing creative outlet with no rules.”

Journalling’s rise is also driving fresh creativity in stationery. “We are spoilt for choice in terms of the huge variety of journalling supplies available; whatever your journalling style, aesthetic and budget may be,” says Becki. Her current favourites include Dodolulu’s calendar washi tape, Diamine’s Forever Ink and Skittledog books.

INDEPTH – JOURNALLING

Jonathan recommends the classic LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 ruled notebook and Drehgriffel pen as a simple entry point. Emily’s starter picks include MD Paper notebooks, Tombow brush pens and mt Masking Tape, while Coral & Ink has curated a beginner-friendly Jot & Joy journalling kit.

Shachihata EU has recently launched a new range of rotating and pre-inked stamps in the UK under its Artline brand. Jessica says the new range was “a huge hit” at Hyper Japan Festival when it launched in July this year, thanks to its blend of practicality and charm. “Customers were excited to see a new take on journalling products and particularly loved our rotating stamps which feature adorable icons such as cats, fruits and pastries.”

As journalling continues to grow, it’s becoming a richer, more layered part of the stationery landscape. For retailers and brands, the opportunities are significant. Journalling isn’t just a passing social media fad; it’s a lifestyle practice that’s helping people slow down, reflect, and reconnect with analogue tools in a digital age.

Retail Viewpoint

Ben Reaveley, owner, Art From The Heart, Harrogate

“Journalling is definitely appealing to a wider audience. We are seeing more and more males journalling in the last couple of the years than previously. Also children are journalling a lot more, they can use it as a safe space to write how they’re felling, which can be helpful when they can’t always express how they are feeling vocally.”

Ben’s go-to journalling products:

• “Notebook wise, I’d recommend Traveler’s Company notebook, as you can customise your set up with all of their inserts. There are two sizes and they’re great for slipping in your bag for journalling on the go.

• “For pens I am loving the Twsbi Eco fountain pen, Uni Zento, Uni One P and Uni Jetstream Lite ballpoints and my pencil of choice is the Uni Kuru Toga Alpha Gel.”

TOP LEFT: Stone Marketing distributes the popular Japanese brand, MD Paper in the UK.

MIDDLE LEFT: Kia Marie Hunt (@ kia.creates) shares journal challenges each month on her social channels.

BOTTOM LEFT: StationeryFest 25 was a funfilled weekend celebrating stationery, journalling, planning, doodling, drawing and more in July.

What’s new in journalling?

Artline

Glitter Ink Pads

These are a shimmering twist on Artline’s well-loved Iromoyo stamp pads. The all-new Artline Glitter Ink Pads blend Japanese innovation with a touch of magic for impressions that truly shine. Perfect for journalling, crafting and stamping, the smooth ink delivers vibrant colour and a delicate shimmer in 10 showstopping colours. shachihata.eu

Skittledog

Junk this Journal

Junk this Journal is the perfect introduction to junk journalling, offering prompts, imagery, and creative ideas to inspire a beginner’s journey. Packaged with removable stickers, this fully customisable journal is designed for the user to make every page unique. It invites them to complete their ‘About Me’ page, write, draw, stamp, and stick whatever comes to mind. The book is scheduled for publication on 8 January 2026.

LEUCHTTURM1917

New Colours 2026

The new 2026 colours - indigo, sunflower, pumpkin and cherry - take inspiration from the creative energy of the 1970s, a decade marked by cultural diversity, personal expression and a spirit of new beginnings. The notebooks are available in A5 format in hard and soft covers. Also in the new colours is the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 as a ballpoint or gel pen, the Drehgriffel Nr. 2 mechanical pencil, as well as matching pen loops.

leuchtturm1917.co.uk

Greeting Life

Haco Stickers

Haco is a sticker series designed to capture the joy of unboxing. Inspired by the excitement of receiving a real-life parcel, each palm-sized cardboard box contains 40 mini stickers, individually designed and wrapped in bubble wrap for a realistic unboxing experience. There are 16 different themes, including fruit, seafood, bakery, veggie market, craft beer and stationery supplies. stonemarketing.com

Kia Creates

Cozy Winter Stickers

These hand-illustrated Cozy Winter Sticker designs will make lovely wintry additions to festive journal or winter planner pages, handmade Christmas cards or other Christmas craft projects. These winter stickers are matte, with no glossy finish added, meaning that the stickers have a paper-texture and can be drawn on top of - perfect for art journaling and scrapbooking.

kiacreates.co.uk

A stamp-cut design makes it easy to tear off the sticker for each day.

Dodolulu 2026 365-Day Calendar Washi Tape

This calendar washi tape features a charming illustration for every single day of the year, with 365 different illustrations to brighten journals or planners. Designed for stationery lovers and journal enthusiasts, the washi tape has a special stamp-cut design, making it a breeze to tear off each day. The semi-transparent material allows for easy layering, and since it’s Japanese washi paper, stickers can be repositioned to get layouts just right.

dodolulu.com

Women of note

From high street shops to sustainable start-ups, meet the women who turned their love of stationery into thriving businesses built on passion, bold decisions, sharp instincts and the power of a blank page.

Samantha J. Salvatorelli

GILDED OF OXFORD

Beautiful, quality notebooks, planners and accessories. Now with a retail store in Oxford.

MY BACKGROUND: I started out in university administration, which is how I ended up at Oxford. When I was pregnant with my second child, I realised I needed a career that offered flexibility, creativity, and purpose.

INSPIRATION: My biggest inspiration is Oxford itself. With over 110 libraries, the gold-gilded books, architecture, and sense of timeless knowledge all shaped my vision. I wanted to create stationery that felt just as enduring and beautiful.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: It has to be opening the doors to our store. I knew exactly how I wanted people to feel when they walked in, and hearing customers tell me how much they love the space is truly a dream come true.

LESSONS LEARNT: Just keep moving forward. Entrepreneurship rarely goes to plan. Take the lesson, pivot, and continue. I’m constantly amazed by how things work out, often in totally unexpected ways.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY: A notebook, always. My needs and style change constantly, but a blank page is endlessly adaptable.

Danielle Stanley

UNDER THE ROWAN TREES

Online stationery shop at www.undertherowantrees.co.uk

MY BACKGROUND: I left teaching nine years ago, for my own and my family’s happiness. I love learning, so teaching myself how to run a business, build a website, launch, manufacture and market products gives me a constant sense of satisfaction.

INSPIRATION: I found it difficult to get hold of nice washi tape in the UK, so I started selling it. This led to more and more stationery, and Under the Rowan Trees became what it is today.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: Winning Online Stationery Retailer of the Year in the Stationery Awards 2025 was definitely a huge achievement. But looking back a few years to being able to pay for a new sofa with my earnings from a business I’d created from scratch still makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

LESSONS LEARNT: So much of business is about the people. Being part of a community is so important for small businesses.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY: I’m currently loving Writech gel pens and retractable fountain pens, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect click.

Sam Smith

HELLO TIME

Award-winning planners, notebooks desk pads and accessories.

MY BACKGROUND: For three decades I’ve worked in branding, graphic design and creative direction for other people’s businesses. After many years of helping others make their ideas real, I found myself burnt out and needing a change.

INSPIRATION: In short: necessity and frustration. I searched for a planner or system that would truly let me bring together life’s threads, family, business, ideas, to-dos; but everything I tried felt too rigid, so I decided to design my own.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: When a customer writes to say “this planner changed how I show up for my family”. This is deeply satisfying, because it confirms this work is not just aesthetic but impactful.

LESSONS LEARNT: You can’t pour from an empty cup (I learnt this the hard way.) If you don’t guard your own bandwidth, then everything else starts to crumble.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY: The Hello Time planner of course! But if I had to pick something beyond my own product it would have to be an Edding Fineliner, Pentel Sign Pen and Pentel marker.

Melanie McKay ANALOG SHOP

High street stationery and wool shop in Lancaster

MY BACKGROUND: I have worked in retail for almost four decades now. I have been a shop assistant, a buyer, in sales and marketing teams and head of ecommerce. Opening my own shop was a natural next step.

INSPIRATION: I already had a wool shop, Ethel & Em. Covid limited my travel, and therefore my access to cute and quirky stationery brands. There was an empty unit a few doors down from my wool shop, so in September 2021 the doors to Analog Shop opened.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: Oddly, what could’ve been a failure is the thing I am most proud of. In March we closed the Analog shop, but instead of closing the business, we created a concession in my wool shop. We are seeing an uplift in sales with fewer overheads.

LESSONS LEARNT: Don’t be afraid to change direction. Sometimes things do not go to plan. When this happens, take the time to rethink and restrategise.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY: It has always been the humble mechanical pencil...

Sarah Downey COFFEENOTES

Sustainable stationery made from recycled takeaway coffee cups and other repurposed waste.

MY BACKGROUND: I began my career as an archivist, cataloguing historical paper and parchment documents and my husband, Mark, has always been involved in the paper and print industry. In 1991 we established our own print business in Dorset.

INSPIRATION: The lockdowns in 2020 gave me the opportunity to research papers and boards crafted from repurposed waste. Together, Mark and I decided to use our knowledge of print, paper and design to create a genuinely sustainable, high quality stationery range. When normality returned, I took on Coffeenotes and Mark kept up the printing business.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: As a small familyrun company based in Dorset, we are very proud of the loyal community of stockists and consumers we’ve gathered. We are very grateful for their continued support, year after year.

LESSONS LEARNT: Maintaining the status quo is not an option. We have to continue to innovate and improve with new processes and new products. Sustainability isn’t easy to achieve and we have to keep striving to be better.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY:

to be our Coffeenotes Monthly Planner. Our printing business produced an in-house version of this about 15 years ago and it became my go to organiser when the boys were all growing up.

Michele Ferron GOOD TUESDAY

A BCorp business creating calendars, diaries, planners and notebooks.

MY BACKGROUND: My background zigzags across creative marketing work and running businesses, but underneath it all I have always been trying to find ways to make life less overwhelming.

INSPIRATION: Good Tuesday was an accidental start-up during lockdown. I designed a Dutch birthday calendar for my own use and popped it online. It started selling faster than I could keep up with and that is how it all began.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: It is more a string of small moments than one big one. Becoming a B Corp was huge, because it put our values into action. Reading five-star reviews from people who say our planners genuinely helped them is always grounding.

LESSONS LEARNT: You cannot do everything yourself, even if you try. Building a team that shares the vision and can do things better than you is the only way to grow.

Yanning Li SCRIVEINER

A British pen company producing luxury writing instruments.

MY BACKGROUND: I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. Before Scriveiner, I built and exited two technology companies: one in e-learning and another in document management. Both centred around virtual products, but I’ve always felt that nothing truly replaces pen and paper.

INSPIRATION: The inspiration for Scriveiner came from a shared belief that writing is more than a task - it’s a ritual. In a world that’s increasingly digital, the act of putting pen to paper feels grounding, personal and intentional.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: There have been many proud moments along the way. The ones that mean the most are often personal, like the messages from customers who tell us “It’s the pen I signed my first publishing contract with,”that’s what keeps me inspired.

LESSONS LEARNT: If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t built on speed, it’s built on clarity, consistency, and care.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY: Without a doubt, my all-time favourite stationery item is our own Scriveiner EDC all chrome fountain pen. It’s absolutely beautiful - a pocket-sized pen that transforms into a full-size instrument when you post the cap on the back.

Sarah Laker

STATIONERY SUPPLIES

High street retailer with two shops in Cheshire. Also organiser of National Stationery Week.

MY BACKGROUND: In 2005 I left behind a career in nursing to follow my dream of being a shop owner. I followed my love of stationery and bought an existing independent retail shop in Marple, Cheshire.

INSPIRATION: I have a love of stationery and people. It’s not just about buying a pen or a notebook, it’s about the smile, the conversation and the experience of being made to feel welcome.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: It’s hard to pick just one, but taking on a second shop midpandemic in 2020 to help our eldest daughter with a working environment which would support her mental health is one of my proudest moments.

LESSONS LEARNT: That I’m not for everyone, and everyone isn’t for me. Stick to your values, be true to yourself and you will find your followers, the people who get your brand, and want to connect with you and support you.

MY FAVOURITE STATIONERY: My daily goto’s are my LEUCHTTURM1917 diary and Drehgriffel pen. I’d be completely lost without a diary and to do list, and of course it has to be a paper diary!

A true pioneer: LYDIA SACKI FOUNDER

OF JAKAR

INTERNATIONAL

Lydia Sacki arrived in London from Germany before the second World War broke out. She and the family had to start again from scratch as everything was taken away from them. After the war she opened a guest house and one of her lodgers, Julius Kaufmann, had connections in the toy and stationery business in Germany. They began importing products from Germany and gradually built up the company.

Lydia’s son, Kenneth joined the business in the mid-fifties and helped expand the business. In 1960 Jakar acquired the distribution for Caran d’Ache products in the UK and Ireland. Lydia’s grandson, Paul is now the managing director of Jakar

Annie Couldrey & Bex Newell REBEL STATIONERY

Luxury diary and notebook brand that supports women working in textiles around the globe.

OUR BACKGROUND: We’ve been the closest of friends for 20 years now, and our bond has been formed over many moments of discovering a belief in the same set of values and principles.

INSPIRATION: The love of stationery. It really was as simple as that. We believe that profits don’t need to come at the expense of people and our planet, and so we wanted to challenge the norm and start a conversation around change.

MOMENTS OF PRIDE: Winning Diary/ Organiser of the Year in the Stationery Awards this year, beating some seriously established and respected brands.

LESSONS LEARNT: Hold your nerve. We say this to each other several times a week! It takes time, but if you have a true belief in what you’re doing, put in the work and people will respond.

FAVOURITE STATIONERY: Well, aside from our award-winning diaries?! The Post-it has got to be one of the most iconic and helpful pieces of design ever conceived.

RIGHT: More and more people are teaching themselves art from online tutorials.

The social side of art

Once reserved for galleries, studios and the select few who could afford lessons or materials, art is now being opened up through social media. From TikTok tutorials to Instagram sketch challenges and YouTube time-lapses, anyone can pick up a paintbrush or pen and have a go.

For brands in the art supplies space, this shift has been transformative. “Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have completely transformed how people experience and engage with art,” says Carola Bustos-Loyola, trade marketing manager at DalerRowney. “They have broken down barriers, making creativity feel approachable and inclusive, turning it from something viewed in galleries into something shared, taught and celebrated globally.”

BELOW LEFT: Pentel’s downloadable brush lettering booklet can be printed out and used for practicing.

BELOW RIGHT: Viola Hortová (@viola. artstudio) gives live tutorials on social media showing her artistic process.

Daler-Rowney’s Graduate range has become a go-to for aspiring artists thanks to its affordability and versatility. From buttery oil paints and vibrant acrylics to luminous watercolours, sketchbooks, mountboards, and versatile brushes, the range supports every technique.

Social media is helping artists embrace imperfection and share their progress openly. It’s no longer just about finished works, it’s about celebrating the process and the courage to create. Carola shares a comment from one of DalerRowney’s artists, who said: “Social media has boosted my self-esteem and made me believe more in myself and my art.”

Jess Way, designer at Jakar International, agrees that the act of creating is the important part and this is what social media does so well, as she explains: “There are two approaches: show the perfect finished artwork or show the everyday reality, the mistakes as well as the successes. The latter is greatly encouraging for beginners, as it shows that not every artwork needs to be perfect.”

She points to artists like Viola Hortová (@viola.artstudio) and Katie Moody (@katie_moody) as creators who do this well, encouraging followers to “step away from perfectionism and step into creativity.”

The accessibility of high-quality but affordable materials has also helped break down barriers. The Caran d’Ache Swisscolor range and the Gallery range from Ukrainian brand Rosa are both aimed at beginners who want quality without breaking the bank. “Having the right tools at the right price point is a big factor in the uptake of beginners,” Jess notes.

That boost in confidence is essential, and social media is often the catalyst. “Creativity is something we all need in our lives, and in recent years we’ve seen a real surge of beginners eager to explore this side of themselves,” says Hannah Hurling, head of marketing at Mitsubishi Pencil Co

Through POSCA in-store activations, live workshops and social media interactions, Hannah has noticed a huge increase in interest from first-time creators. “We’ve built partnerships with art

clubs, youth groups and charities to create welcoming, fun POSCA workshops where people can explore their creativity in a safe, supportive environment. Online communities are equally powerful. They’re a lifeline for anyone who feels isolated or can’t attend workshops in person. They not only boost confidence but also offer practical solutions and tips when people get stuck.”

POSCA products are easy to pick up, satisfying to use and suitable for almost any surface. “Start with fun, not pressure,” Hannah advises beginners. “Don’t worry about the outcome, just play. Make marks, experiment with colour, and see what feels natural.”

Emily Gregory-Stone, brand and marketing director at Stone Marketing uses the Tombow Instagram page as an example of social media being used to inspire. “We’ve built a strong and engaged community over the past eight years on Instagram, collaborating with UK-based artists to create inspiring content for our audience.

As part of this journey, we launched the Tombow Collective, a group of passionate Tombow fans and creatives who share our love for art, lettering, journalling and all things stationery.

The Collective plays a key role in shaping and sharing our brand story, helping us to showcase how Tombow products can be used in creative and innovative ways.”

Social media doesn’t just teach techniques, it fosters connection.

“Being part of an art community allows beginner artists to share ideas, learn new tricks and support and encourage each other,” says Rachel Owen, head of marketing at Staedtler. “Social media has opened up safe spaces where beginners can share their work without fear of judgement. Communities celebrate progress as much as finished pieces, which helps people feel more confident about putting their art out there.”

Staedtler’s Design Journey range is built for this new wave of creatives, offering everything from acrylics to oil pastels, complete with easy starter sets and tutorials. “We want to keep lowering the barriers for anyone who’s curious about starting art,” Rachel says. “That means not just offering products, but also more accessible ways to learn and be inspired.”

The same sentiment is echoed by Vanya Hunter, UK marketing manager at Stabilo. “Interest in art among beginners has grown, especially as more people seek creative outlets for relaxation, mindfulness and self-expression,” she says. Its Start Beginning campaign drives home one simple truth: “If you don’t start, there is nothing.”

Vanya praises the rise of “process over product” content, with social media showing that creativity is about expression, not

perfection. “At Stabilo, we actively engage with our followers, share their work, and run challenges to foster creativity. We also partner with creators to run giveaways that encourage participation and growth.”

Stabilo’s wide range of beginner tools include the popular Stabilo Pen 68 for bold colouring and blending, Stabilo point 88 for sketching and fine details and Stabilo EASYcolors, ergonomic pencils designed for young or new artists.

For Wendy Vickery, marketing manager at Pentel UK, the creative boom isn’t just post-pandemic. “Even before Covid, we were witnessing increased interest in art. The financial crash of 2008 showed us that the art and craft market is surprisingly resilient,” she notes. “During Covid, people turned to creativity as a way to find connection.”

Pentel works with many content creators who share ideas to help their audiences learn new skills, grow their confidence and then share their own work. It’s a win-win for both, with Wendy commenting: “We enjoy hearing feedback from these content creators and their audiences. It’s extremely useful for manufacturers to receive first-hand comments about products.”

Pentel’s oil pastels and Brush Sign Pens are popular entry points for beginners. “Our Brush Sign Pens are particularly popular, and we have developed a hand lettering booklet to help people practice lettering,” says Wendy. “We work with many content creators who run online and in-person workshops to open up this fascinatingly fluid style of writing to everyone.”

IN FOCUS – SOCIAL MEDIA

What’s clear across the board is that art is part of everyday life, accessible to anyone with a phone, a pen or brush and paper. Social media has reshaped how people learn to make art. With brands, creators and communities all playing a part, the social side of art looks set to keep growing.

Retail Viewpoint

Eva Kirilof, marketing manager, London Graphic Centre

“We’ve definitely seen a noticeable rise in beginners getting into art over the past few years. A big driver of this are courses and tutorials on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube which make starting less intimidating. We often meet customers who have followed a class online, then come into the store looking for the tools and materials they need to take that next step. It’s inspiring to see how art is becoming more accessible and how people of all ages are embracing it as a creative outlet.

“We make sure beginners feel supported when starting their creative journey. Matthew, who has been helping customers choose materials for 25 years, often recommends trusted essentials such as Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolours, pads, and brushes; Winsor & Newton Galeria acrylics; Liquitex Basics; and sketching sets from Derwent or Faber-Castell. For drawing, a good Staedtler plastic eraser is always handy, and for paper and brushes we suggest Daler-Rowney Aquafine pads and Pro Arte synthetic brushes.”

What’s new in art supplies?

Daler-Rowney

Simply Creative Project Sets

Daler-Rowney’s Simply Creative Project Sets are the perfect way to dive into the world of art. Available in two versions - 25 projects with 108 pieces and 50 projects with 159 pieces. Every box includes a step-bystep image instruction manual, all the materials are included, so users can get started straight away without any extra shopping.

daler-rowney.com

The Simply Creative Project Sets contain everything to get started.

Pentel Expressive Set

Pentel has expanded its popular Pentel Arts range with the launch of two new Expressive Sets. Each Expressive Set contains eight twin tipped Brush Sign Pens in a variety of colours, a mini Aquash Water Brush and two small palette sheets. These tools can be used to blend and soften colours, allowing users to create custom shades and unique effects in their artwork. Two themed sets are available: one ideal for manga-style colouring and another suited to landscapes and buildings. pentel.co.uk

Caran d’Ache

Neocolor II Aquarelle

Caran d’Ache is marking the 50th anniversary of the Neocolor II with five special edition 10-colour sets (pop, lush, portrait, pastel and dark), with each set featuring three brand new shades. These water-soluble wax pastels are perfect for dry or wet techniques, with a soft, velvety texture and bold, blendable colour. Loved since 1975 for its versatility across paper, wood, metal, and glass, Neocolor II remains a timeless tool for creative expression. jakar.co.uk

Stabilo

Stabilo Boss Original NatureCOLORS

Staedtler Norix

Stabilo is expanding its iconic Boss Original range to include more shades inspired by nature. The Stabilo Boss Original NatureCOLORS Wildflower edition features four expressive shades in burgundy, ultramarine, grey violet and blush. Drawing inspiration from wild blooming flowers, the new range reflects the growing popularity of natural tones in design. These four colours allow users to incorporate ontrend hues into everyday life. Available for two years from this October. stabilo.com

Tombow

The new Norix is an innovative range of coloured and graphite pencils with eyecatching design and ergonomic benefits. At the centre of the Norix range is a unique, ergonomic pen shape: not round, not square, but semicircular and flattened on one side. The asymmetrical shape of the pencils ensures a high level of comfort and relaxed writing and drawing. All Norix pencils are made from wood chips that are waste products in the wood processing industry.

staedtler.com

The ergonomic shape of

ensures a high level of comfort and relaxed writing or drawing.

Mono Drawing Pen Colours

Designed for precision and reliability, the Mono drawing pen features a fine metal tip that captures the smallest details with clean, consistent lines. Its pigment-based, water-resistant ink provides rich contrast and lasting quality, while smudge resistance ensures flexibility when used with the ABT Dual Brush Pen and Fudenosuke. The range now includes colour options, available individually or in sets of eight.

stonemarketing.com

THIS MAGAZINE HAS LANDED ON THE DOORSTEPS AND DESKS OF RETAIL BUYERS ACROSS THE STATIONERY WORLD…

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The next edition will be published in January ahead of the Q1 shows, benefitting from addition distribution at London Toy Fair, Spring Fair, Ambiente and more. A great way to influence buyers at the start of a fresh trading year.

To be included, contact Chantelle White – chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk

DIGITAL TOO...

Advertisers can enjoy having their visuals land in nearly 15,000 inboxes, three times per week. These adverts can link to wherever you wish… your website, an email address, online catalogue, social media –or anything else.

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A tribute to my father

Reg Pickford made a name for himself in the writing instrument industry after founding the GBA Pen Company in 1962 and introducing brands such as Montblanc, Lamy, Waterman, Montegrappa and the Fisher Space Pen to the UK. His daughter, Frances Mollinghoff, now managing director of the GBA Pen Company reflects on her father’s achievements.

A career in exporting Christian books to Nigeria may not seem the most obvious background for a future writing instrument distributor, but that was the leap my father, Reg Pickford, made more than 60 years ago. He founded the GBA Pen Company in the 1960s and ran it with passion until his passing in 2007 at the age of 82. My mother continued to help with the accounts well into her 90s. She passed away at 98.

My father witnessed decades of change in the writing instruments industry. The first pen brand he acquired was the German brand Senator, building it into a strong business gift name. Though it was later taken in-house by the manufacturer, it laid the foundation for his distribution success.

In 1974, during a visit to Hamburg, he secured UK distribution for Montblanc, which at that time had been off the UK market for four or five years. He reintroduced it through Harrods, Selfridges and other key retailers. Unfortunately in 1981 Montblanc was acquired by Dunhill and distribution moved inhouse.

Not one to stay still, my father quickly took on UK distribution for Waterman pens, followed by Elysee in 1983, a brand he grew into nearly every major department store. In 1985, he met Dr. Lamy at the Frankfurt Paperworld exhibition and agreed to take on UK distribution for Lamy, building it into a major retail and corporate gift success.

Unfortunately, in 1993, Elysee was acquired by Staedtler and distribution shifted. At the same time, Lamy also transitioned to direct dispatch from Germany. These changes were difficult, compounded by my father’s health scare.

Despite setbacks, he remained resilient. That same year, he began distributing the Aquila family’s Montegrappa brand, At the time, I was running a retail shop selling arts, crafts, and some of my dad’s pens. However, changing retail trends and rising rents led me to close the shop and join the family business in 1994.

Visiting Paperworld with my father, I began to understand his passion for the industry.

The Last WORD

By Frances Mollinghoff , Managing Director at GBA Pen Company

With strong relationships across independent pen retailers, we quickly grew Montegrappa in the UK, opening a boutique in Harrods and a counter in Selfridges.

Alongside Montegrappa we also distributed other Italian brands: Aurora, Visconti, Delta, Lalex, Omas, Tibaldi as well as Graf Von Faber Castell, Pelikan and Diplomat.

Then, after all our development of Montegrappa it was bought by the Richemont group in 2000 and we lost distribution.

During the next years we successfully distributed Aquila family brands which included many licences namely Ducati, Bentley, Jaguar, Mercedes and Armani.

In June 2009, the Aquila family bought back Montegrappa from the Richemont group so we again acquired the UK distribution. My father had passed away by this time but would have been very happy to see the brand back.

In 1995, we became the UK distributors of the Fisher Space Penlater expanding to cover Europe. This iconic pen, known for its pressurised refill, writes at any angle, under water, on wet paper and over grease.

The Fisher Space Pen celebrates 70 years this year and remains a timeless piece of innovation.

This year marks 30 years of distribution of the brand for GBA Pen Company.

Today, the retail landscape has changed dramatically, with fewer specialist pen stores and the rise of online discounting. But brands like Fisher Space Pen, with enduring appeal and strong values, remind us of the industry’s golden age - something my father would have appreciated.