THE DOCUMENTED LIFE
THE DOCUMENTED LIFE
A CENTURY OF PUTTING PEN TO PAPER
Left: Letter (1969). A Canadian customer writes to our New Bond Street store after their Smythson diary met a rather unfortunate fate. Below: Stamp box (1989).This little box was produced in a host of different leather finishes, allowing customers to coordinate it with their blotters and desk accessories.
Within the Smythson archive sits a trove of curiosities that nod to our enduring passion for the written word.
It’s no secret that we’ve long had a penchant for good penmanship. While observing the end result is undoubtedly wonderful, our true obsession lies with the writing experience. We can’t help but be preoccupied with the satisfying, slightly weighty feel of a correspondence card held in hand, the smooth surface of writing paper that allows your pen to glide with ease, and the soft, reassuring rustle of a tissue-lined envelope. Since 1887, we’ve been crafting items that have catered to the wordsmiths, writers and stationery enthusiasts of days gone by. So, it’s little wonder that a glimpse inside our archive will uncover a cheerful ode to the written word.
Above:Warwick writing folder (c. 1902). Designed to neatly hold one’s writing implements, this folder’s distinctive clasp and envelope structure has inspired pieces withinAW21’s Envelope collection. Left: Inkwell (c. mid-20th century). Our early catalogues feature many intricately designed glass and silver inkwells, revealing Frank Smythson’s talents as a silversmith.
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