A symbol of the evolution of humankind and civilisations over millennia, a writing instrument represents so much more than the ability to jot down a few notes here and there.
From the Dead Sea Scrolls and Leonardo Da Vinci’s journals, to war-ending and battle-starting letters sent between ancient kings and queens, the ability to write and record information is an immensely powerful privilege that was previously reserved for high-ranking members of society.
As such, writing paraphernalia over history has often reflected the power and position of the person putting said tool to use. Indeed, Charles Dickens’ mammoth 19th-century mahogany writing desk was sold to an anonymous buyer for $850,000 at Christie’s London in June 2008. Arthur Conan Doyle was known to have used a Parker Duofold Classic to write his iconic detective novels, a fountain pen that retails today for £389.95, and you only have to catch a glimpse at the Roentgen writing desk to know they were crafted with royalty in mind.
There’s something particularly special about surrounding oneself with the very best tools of the trade in order to make creativity flow. There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a pen and stack of papers to begin a story, letter, article or poem.
It’s only natural that in taking great care to select the perfect writing instruments, a writer subsequently takes great care in each and every word physically recorded on a page.
Whether you’re seeking to return to the ancient art of letter writing and are looking for the perfect tool to do so, or are on the hunt for a thoughtful yet sumptuous gift for a loved one, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best luxury pens on the market.
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Parker 51 Ballpoint Pen Forest Green with Gold Trim
The model originally used by poet Dylan Thomas, the iconic Parker 51 is a fantastic mid-range contemporary option for wordsmiths looking to elevate their writing game. Available with a ballpoint or fountain pen tip, we’re partial to the perennially stylish forest green and gold trim design.
Buy now £90.00, Cult Pens
Onoto The Flanders Fountain Pen
Inspiration will never again be further away than the palm of your hand with this beautiful fountain pen by Onoto. This luxury fountain pen has quite literally been forged from history.
Handmade in England, the pen’s glossy black acrylic body has been embellished with reclaimed copper from British artillery shells found in the Somme, while the engraved poppy-adorned cap has been infused with soil harvested from the exact location where Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields. If that doesn’t get you writing furiously, we’re not sure what will.
Buy now £680.00, Selfridges
Esterbrook x Ferris Wheel Press FerriTales Collection
An option for lovers of all things fantastical and awe-inspiring, this cosmic design features an entire rainbow’s worth of colours which swirl together like a nebulous constellation in outer space.
Finished with gold-plated accents and realised in a cardboard gift box and a bottle of Ferris Wheel Press Nebulous Blue ink, we couldn’t think of a better gift for stationery enthusiasts.
Buy now £380.00, Cult Pens
Visconti Van Gogh Fountain Pen 'The Novel Reader'
This stunning, gold-plated vegetal resin pen was inspired by the colours of Van Gogh’s famous painting ‘The Novel Reader’. Featuring swirling hues of petrol blue, forest green and crimson, the flawlessly executed colour combinations work to resemble some of the base colours found in Van Gogh’s wonderful painting.
This Visconti pen also comes with a gift box and a 30ml bottle of Inchiostro ink in a signature ‘Novel Reader’ yellow-green colour.
Buy now £250.00, Cult Pens
Pelikan Classic M200 Fountain Pen Pastel Blue
Pretty in pastel blue, we can’t help but be reminded of the iconic Toy Story skies with characteristic puffy white clouds and perfectly light blue backgrounds. Finished with diamond-ground surfaces and a gold-plated clip and ring, this sumptuous fountain pen is further equipped with a translucent ink-view window.
Buy now £165.00, Cult Pens
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen
Oozing with Parisian sophistication, Waterman’s fountain pen has been handcrafted in France. The design is timeless with a brushed stainless steel body and a 23-karat gold nib. The latter is fine to enhance delicate handwriting. Ideal for gifting your loved ones, the pen comes presented in a smart-looking dark blue box.
Buy now £81.02, Amazon
Montegrappa Mia Fountain Pen
Luxury pen company Montegrappa has been creating its signature style of pen for over 100 years – all handcrafted in Italy’s Bassano del Grappa. Let your thoughts flow onto paper using the label’s Mia fountain pen that has been designed with environmentally-responsible resin and finished in a wacky meteor shower colour burst. The writing instrument is chunky with marbled textures to create a vintage look, but its nib is fine for clear and elegant writing.
Buy now £300.03, Amazon
Montblanc Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir “Baby” Special Edition Fountain Pen
Elevate your writing with Montblanc’s special edition fountain pen – part of the Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir to celebrate the pioneering spirit of Montblanc. An investment with its hefty price tag, the vintage-looking pen is a reinterpretation of the original design developed in 1906.
More than 100 years later, the writing essential is slimmer, made of black precious lacquer and resin, and features a striking serpent clip.
Buy now £630.00, Cult Pens
