Tactile stationery to write home about

Tactile stationery to write home about

Tangible items with a practical use can make a big impression for desk-bound daredevils

Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody

Photography: Matthew Beedle

Set styling: Maya Linhares-Marx

In an age of digital to-do lists and emails sent on the hoof, there’s a certain satisfaction to be found in opening the first crisp page of a new notebook, the dance of pen ink upon a thank-you note and the heft of a steel stapler in one’s palm. Everyday objects we once took for granted are taking on new significance as we attempt to cut down on screen time and instead turn to embracing more tactile experiences with sources of simple pleasure.

This season, we’re harnessing that slightly giddy back-to-school feeling which fresh stationery inspires by investing in beautiful home office additions. A panoply of examples certainly bear this out, from Mount Street Printers’ pristine note paper to Purdey’s grained leather letter tray, an original box of 1960s-era pencils from Present & Correct to a nostalgia-inducing metal sharpening machine courtesy of Caran d’Ache. Not only do these analogue stationery items make for elegant (and efficient) accessories, but they offer a semblance – however small – of control in an otherwise chaotic world. Stationery as therapy? That’s something to write home about.

Montblanc MB 01 Over-Ear Headphones

These ergonomically designed noise-cancelling headphones from Montblanc will take every audio experience to the next level – whether you’re commuting, travelling or working.

Montblanc MB 01 Over-Ear Headphones

Montblanc MB 01 Over-Ear Headphones

£500.00

Buy now

Mount Street Printers Quarto Envelope (pack of 25)

The age-old act of sending a physical letter deserves the finest quality apparatus. Mayfair’s Mount Street Printers is our go-to for perfect paper.

Mount Street Printers Quarto Envelope (pack of 25)

Mount Street Printers Quarto Envelope (pack of 25)

£13.00

Buy now

Connolly Horn Letter Opener

This London-made horn letter opener from Connolly serves both as a practical device and beautiful desk accessory that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Connolly Horn Letter Opener

Connolly Horn Letter Opener

£485.00

Buy now

Lucrin Pen Holder

An elegant leather pen holder is a serious upgrade from that old jam jar you’re currently using. This one from Geneva-based brand Lucrin screams sophistication.

Lucrin Pen Holder

Lucrin Pen Holder

£85.00

Buy now

Present & Correct Toison d’Or Pencils

Originally issued in the 1960s by legendary Czech pencil company Bohemia Works, these pencils look as good as they feel in hand.

Present & Correct Toison d’Or Pencils

Present & Correct Toison d’Or Pencils

£27.50

Buy now

Choosing Keeping Craft Design Technology Brushed Steel Scissors

Manufactured in Seki, Japan, a region renowned for its knife and sword-making tradition, these stainless steel scissors (designed for both right and left handed people) will stand the test of time.

Choosing Keeping Craft Design Technology Brushed Steel Scissors

Choosing Keeping Craft Design Technology Brushed Steel Scissors

£65.00

Buy now

Tom’s Studio Wren Pen

In an age of disposable everything, choose to consume more consciously – starting with this infinitely refillable writing pen from Tom’s Studio, which is designed to last a lifetime.

Tom’s Studio Wren Pen

Tom’s Studio Wren Pen

£35.00

Buy now

Present & Correct Cylinder Flip Clock

This sleek, retro-inspired flip clock from renowned London stationery store Present & Correct will perk up any home office.

Present & Correct Cylinder Flip Clock

Present & Correct Cylinder Flip Clock

£125.00

Buy now

Purdey Letter Tray

This grained leather letter tray from Purdey will keep your desk both organised and elegant. The featherburst embossing on the front adds an extra element of interest.

Purdey Letter Tray

Purdey Letter Tray

£425.00

Buy now

ABASK Zenith Steel Plier Stapler

The Zenith stapler proves its worth far beyond practical purposes. Hand-crafted in the Italian town of Voghera since 1924, it’s an enduring design icon.

ABASK Zenith Steel Plier Stapler

ABASK Zenith Steel Plier Stapler

£70.00

Buy now

Jo Malone Jasmine Sambac and & Marigold Scented Candle 200g

Fill your office with the gorgeous scent of jasmine sambac buds. Not only does this Jo Malone candle smell divine, it looks it too, in a sleek black glass design.

Jo Malone Jasmine Sambac and & Marigold Scented Candle 200g

Jo Malone Jasmine Sambac and & Marigold Scented Candle 200g

£70.00

Buy now

Caran d’Ache Metal Sharpening Machine

Beloved by writers, designers and illustrators since 1933, the iconic Caran d’Ache Sharpening Machine is renowned for its high precision and durability.

Caran d’Ache Metal Sharpening Machine

Caran d’Ache Metal Sharpening Machine

£203.00

Buy now

Dunhill Moire Texture Turbo Lighter

No gentleman should be without an elegant lighter that’s made to last. This pocked lighter from Dunhill takes our fancy, thanks to its silver-finish palladium-plated brass construction, with an engraved panel inspired by the delicate, shimmering lines of silk moiré fabric.

Dunhill Moire Texture Turbo Lighter

Dunhill Moire Texture Turbo Lighter

£1395.00

Buy now

Tom’s Studio Solid Brass Pen Rest

Keep your pen happily perched on this attractive pen, ready for the second an idea strikes.

Tom’s Studio Solid Brass Pen Rest

Tom’s Studio Solid Brass Pen Rest

£25.00

Buy now

Tom’s Studio Lumos Stainless Steel Pen

Banish those flimsy Bics and reach for this satisfyingly weighty stainless steel pen instead, which is built to last a lifetime. Have it engraved for an extra-personal touch.

Tom’s Studio Lumos Stainless Steel Pen

Tom’s Studio Lumos Stainless Steel Pen

£120.00

Buy now

Mount Street Printers Quarto Writing Paper (pack of 50)

Whether you’re jotting down quick notes, writing lists or penning a letter, be sure to have a pack of Mount Street Printers’ writing paper close to hand at all times.

Mount Street Printers Quarto Writing Paper (pack of 50)

Mount Street Printers Quarto Writing Paper (pack of 50)

£12.00

Buy now

Stalogy 365Days Notebook

Compact, beautifully bound and utterly versatile, the Stalogy 365Days Notebook is the ultimate productivity enhancer.

Stalogy 365Days Notebook

Stalogy 365Days Notebook

£26.99

Buy now

Asprey Decision Dice

Crafted from hallmarked sterling silver, this engravable office accessory is the thing to turn to when inspiration is needed.

Asprey Decision Dice

Asprey Decision Dice

£320.00

Buy now

This article originally featured in the Autumn 2024 issue of Gentleman's Journal. Read about it here...

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