The aesthetic movement of the late 1800’s held that all the objects which surround us should be beautiful and functional. Probably in that order. After all, the aesthete required that all his senses be entertained. It is a seductive philosophy.
Yesterday, Mrs. E. became a demi-centarian in her own inimitable way. And, as usual, she gave me only an offhand “I’m really enamoured of mechanical pencils at the moment” comment when asked about her gift. So, I made sure to get her a mechanical pencil. (Fear not, dear reader, something much more sparkly also arrived.)
When it comes to mechanical pencils, it is function which normally follows form. And form is frequently dictated by comfort. Writing in longhand is a physical as much as a mental act.
But, who’s to say that something as pedestrian as the pencil can’t be a work of art? Especially if it is crafted by Caran d’Ache. Add engraved initials and you have a personalized work of art with which to create your own works of art.
I carry a far less expensive, but every bit as satisfying to write with, ballpoint version of their classic 849. Pick one up here.