I had the pleasure of meeting London-based award winning industrial designers Joe Wentworth and Simon Donald at the recent London Stationery Show. As a consequence of their joint love of stationery and refined functional design they have created Andhand – a brand that celebrates minimal form and timeless ingenuity, producing durable and honest products that are thoughtfully designed and made with precision.
With over 30 years of experience in product design between them and previous backgrounds in sculpture and mechanical engineering, their focus is on creating products which embrace the post COVID modern hybrid working practices and environments.
The last few years have brought into sharp focus the importance of a positive workspace, and so the products aim to nurture working wellness, contributing to a desk environment that is supportive to both creativity and productivity, in other words ‘The Modern Desk’. Andhand believe that in a digital world of ever increasing screen time it is important to remain connected to the analogue and curate working spaces with treasured pieces that will last for decades.
The minimally elegant Brass Method fountain pen comes tastefully packaged in a minimally constructed black box with a white slip case. Machined from solid brass the pen comes fitted with a high quality gold plated Schmidt nib and and ink converter allowing an infinite choice when it comes to ink preference. The solid brass used for the fountain pen gives it an excellent writing weight and balance in the hand making it an absolute pleasure to use and something to treasure for a lifetime.
The brass of this fountain pen is left untreated and is intended to age beautifully, making it a truly individual piece for the owner. Alternatively it can be brought back to its original lustre with a quick polish which is what I have done. Rather like a high quality pair of leather shoes, if you want maximum visual impact and pleasure, keep this objet d’art highly polished. I think I’ll need to invest in a soft suede or cloth pen pouch to help keep that shine! And wow, it does shine beautifully. Photographing in bright light on a white background, the brass pen throws off a beautiful golden aura.
The thinking behind Andhand started out in early 2020 just as the first lockdown was taking place and many were getting familiar with the big shift towards working from home. Working practices and the tools used took on a greater importance as many of us found the need for improved workspace environments that could both stimulate and soothe the mind.
The paired back use of familiar forms gives the wider product range a modernist sculptural appeal whilst still being very tactile objects that are a joy to use. Crafted from mainly machined solid brass and aluminium the pieces will stand the test of time and enhance time spent working, creating and daydreaming. The longevity and sustainable impact of the range is an important part of the design process and so all items are created in line with the buy once, buy well philosophy.
The Method Brass fountain pen retails at £110.00 which bearing in mind the stunning look, quality and longevity PLUS with it being Fathers Day this weekend you may wish to head on over to their website immediately: https://www.andhand.co.uk
And HEY! If you’re interested to know more about how to use fountain pen inks in more creative ways – whether it’s simply to observe their chromatic behaviours, or, to recreate one of my swatch cards, or, to learn how to use them in watercolour painting, illustration and calligraphy, why not check out my online course?
FOUNTAIN PEN INK ART 