The London Writing Equipment Show

[Sarj]

Apologies for the delay in getting this posted. I needed Monday to catch up with life outside pendom plus I was really shattered after a long day on Sunday. This same review is also posted over at Pentrace

 

I have eagerly anticipated this year’s London Pen Show (now renamed “The London WES show”) for a number of weeks and I was not disappointed. For me, this was the best pen show experience for many years.

I have been a regular attendee at the London Pen Show for the past nine years or so. Traditionally, the London show has always been organised by Simon Gray (Battersea Pen Home) and was invariably the pen event of the year in Europe with many dealers, manufacturers and other exhibitors attending from all over the world. I remember in 1999 when Namiki were a main exhibitor, you could hardly move in the lobby hall where they were exhibiting. I can still remember my jaw dropping with what felt like an audible “clunk” when I first laid eyes on a beautiful plain vermillion Urushi Emperor.

 

These were heady days when Bonhams would hold a pen auction on the Friday before the show, where several vintage Dunhill-Namiki lacquered pens would go under the hammer and some sell for £30,000 and more. I remember with fondness meeting dear old Arthur Twydle at the 1999 show and being mesmerised by his deftness of touch when showing me how to extract the cracked and bent nib from the battered old Parker Vacumatic that I had picked up cheaply at the show. He then cheerfully and helpfully informed me that if I spent £20.00 with him for a correct replacement nib, the pen, that I had just purchased for £15.00 would be worth at least £80.00! Of course, I walked away happy having purchased the nib, a nib block and a Vacumatic tool which set me back £70.00 in total. No instant profit, but I felt well equipped and empowered to handle any Vac repair should I choose to.

 

As events often turn out, lack of time and work pressures at that stage in my career meant that I didn’t actually use those tools until 5 years later. But since then, I think I must have restored about a hundred Vacs with that tool. I can’t imagine how many nibs I’ve knocked out with that block. The great man was right, the tools were indeed great investments. Arthur was sadly missed at this year’s show. I think he would have approved of the razzmatazz that WES have generated.

 

The original London Pen Show remained very successful in the early part of this decade until 9/11 after which attendances began to suffer badly. So much so, that in 2005, Simon decided that it would no longer be economically viable for him to continue with the show. I think the effects of 7/7 in London that year really affected the attendance figures badly. Consequently, there was no show in 2006. This left a real hole in the UK pen show calendar with only the Northern Pen Show surviving. The decision by WES to take ownership and re-launch the show this year was a brave one, but after Sunday’s successful show, it was clearly the right one.

 

The show was extremely busy and had that same bustling atmosphere, reminiscent of the late 1990s. The globetrotting contingent certainly added to the mix and it was great to see people make the trip from all corners of the world. I can only mention a few here, I wish I’d had enough time to meet with many more than I did. A highlight of the show for me was meeting David Nishimura who has been an inspiration for me through his website ever since I started in this hobby. I can’t recall a day when I have been online in the last 8 years and haven’t visited David’s site for one reason or another. David was very kind and evaluated a few of my pens and provided me with insights I hadn’t considered. He also had some beautiful pens with him, including a Parker snake with a VV clip and huge Waterman BCHR 20. This is the first time I have seen a vintage Parker Snake in person and rather exposed my amateurism when I pointed to it and said “Oh that’s nice.. is it an A.A, Waterman?” David very politely corrected me. I think I was ‘thrown’ by the clip style (my story, and I’m sticking to it !)

 

I’m afraid I’m not really in a position to comment about the seminars and manufacturer displays that were on the show itinerary. I was just too busy at my table. Hopefully, maybe some other attendee who managed to get to these will be able to provide a brief review. In fact, I only managed one full circuit of the vintage hall and this was towards the end of the day when many of the dealers were in the throes of packing up their wares. But I must say that everybody I spoke to, commented that they’d had a successful day and that generally, people’s interest in pens, pencils and ephemera was inquisitive and enthusiastic. For those of you who have never been to a pen show, I heartily recommend it. No matter how many gorgeous pictures of pens one might look at on the internet, there really is no substitute for seeing and handling them in person.

 

The day for me was one big flurry of activity. I was very ably assisted by my wife Jas and my son Bryn (aged 12) who incidentally is rapidly developing an excellent eye for pens. We had an early start, leaving Birmingham at 0600 arriving at the show in plenty of time to start setting up at 0900. The crowd that greeted me in the lobby whilst waiting for the doors to open was like one big global reunion. I ran into Alfonso Mur (Madrid Pen Show), Shabbir Solanki, Tsachi Mitsenmacher, Gary Lehrer, Cliff Harrington, Mike Selway, Steve Hull, Andre Mora, Francis Goossens, David Parisi and many others. Such formidable pen knowledge and experience in a small confined space – awesome! Everybody seemed to be in a jovial mood sharing jokes and stories. The camaraderie is what makes Pen shows so special.

 

Once the show got going and the doors were opened to the public, I didn’t have a single spare moment to catch my breath. There was a constant stream of people at my table. I was pleased to receive some very kind compliments on my pens and I am happy to report that sales were very healthy. I waved goodbye to some old favourites including my Amber Etruria LE, my Delta Dolce Vita OS and my very nearly mint Burgundy Senior Maxima. But they all went to new(ish) collectors and users who took their time choosing and hopefully will put the pens to good use. Sales to other dealers were also excellent. It felt good to be able to sell pens to Gary Lehrer, Alfonso Mur, Cliff Harrington and others. I even managed to sell a two nice Parker Vacumatics to “Mr Parker” himself – David Shepherd. Maybe all those hours spent scouring eBay and the GB has paid off. It’s very satisfying that my collection and my knowledge of vintage pens has progressed so well over the past few years. I just have to brush up on my Snakes and VV clips

 

It was good to say hello to quite a number of Pentracers, FPNers and Zossers on the day. I can’t recall nor mention everybody, but I had very pleasant conversations with MichaelW, Mr Goldfink (Azad), Mario Escobar, Jean-Elie Sobolevicius and of course David Nishimura, Gary and Myrna Lehrer and Tsachi.

 

I am sorry to have rambled on for so long. It truly was a fabulous day. I only wish that it could have been longer and that I could have had a little more time to circulate around the other tables. Oh well, I have resolved to meet many of these guys in Madrid in November and my flights are booked for LA in February. I can’t wait !!

 

Heady days are back !!

 

Apologies that there aren’t too many photos and that I can’t put names to all the faces. I just didn’t have any time to take any photos.

These photos are courtesy of Master Bryn Minhas.

 

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[Epictete92]

This is a brillant article Sarj, thank you very much for sharing with us.

Beside the fact that i was also very happy to meet you over there ( nice family ) i just wanted to add that this pen show was a perfect exemple that a pen is really not only just a pen and price event.

Best regards and perhaps we will see each other around some tapas in Madrid.

Jean Elie

 

 

 

 

 

Apologies for the delay in getting this posted. I needed Monday to catch up with life outside pendom plus I was really shattered after a long day on Sunday. This same review is also posted over at Pentrace

 

I have eagerly anticipated this year’s London Pen Show (now renamed “The London WES show”) for a number of weeks and I was not disappointed. For me, this was the best pen show experience for many years.

I have been a regular attendee at the London Pen Show for the past nine years or so. Traditionally, the London show has always been organised by Simon Gray (Battersea Pen Home) and was invariably the pen event of the year in Europe with many dealers, manufacturers and other exhibitors attending from all over the world. I remember in 1999 when Namiki were a main exhibitor, you could hardly move in the lobby hall where they were exhibiting. I can still remember my jaw dropping with what felt like an audible “clunk” when I first laid eyes on a beautiful plain vermillion Urushi Emperor.

 

These were heady days when Bonhams would hold a pen auction on the Friday before the show, where several vintage Dunhill-Namiki lacquered pens would go under the hammer and some sell for £30,000 and more. I remember with fondness meeting dear old Arthur Twydle at the 1999 show and being mesmerised by his deftness of touch when showing me how to extract the cracked and bent nib from the battered old Parker Vacumatic that I had picked up cheaply at the show. He then cheerfully and helpfully informed me that if I spent £20.00 with him for a correct replacement nib, the pen, that I had just purchased for £15.00 would be worth at least £80.00! Of course, I walked away happy having purchased the nib, a nib block and a Vacumatic tool which set me back £70.00 in total. No instant profit, but I felt well equipped and empowered to handle any Vac repair should I choose to.

 

As events often turn out, lack of time and work pressures at that stage in my career meant that I didn’t actually use those tools until 5 years later. But since then, I think I must have restored about a hundred Vacs with that tool. I can’t imagine how many nibs I’ve knocked out with that block. The great man was right, the tools were indeed great investments. Arthur was sadly missed at this year’s show. I think he would have approved of the razzmatazz that WES have generated.

 

The original London Pen Show remained very successful in the early part of this decade until 9/11 after which attendances began to suffer badly. So much so, that in 2005, Simon decided that it would no longer be economically viable for him to continue with the show. I think the effects of 7/7 in London that year really affected the attendance figures badly. Consequently, there was no show in 2006. This left a real hole in the UK pen show calendar with only the Northern Pen Show surviving. The decision by WES to take ownership and re-launch the show this year was a brave one, but after Sunday’s successful show, it was clearly the right one.

 

The show was extremely busy and had that same bustling atmosphere, reminiscent of the late 1990s. The globetrotting contingent certainly added to the mix and it was great to see people make the trip from all corners of the world. I can only mention a few here, I wish I’d had enough time to meet with many more than I did. A highlight of the show for me was meeting David Nishimura who has been an inspiration for me through his website ever since I started in this hobby. I can’t recall a day when I have been online in the last 8 years and haven’t visited David’s site for one reason or another. David was very kind and evaluated a few of my pens and provided me with insights I hadn’t considered. He also had some beautiful pens with him, including a Parker snake with a VV clip and huge Waterman BCHR 20. This is the first time I have seen a vintage Parker Snake in person and rather exposed my amateurism when I pointed to it and said “Oh that’s nice.. is it an A.A, Waterman?” David very politely corrected me. I think I was ‘thrown’ by the clip style (my story, and I’m sticking to it !)

 

I’m afraid I’m not really in a position to comment about the seminars and manufacturer displays that were on the show itinerary. I was just too busy at my table. Hopefully, maybe some other attendee who managed to get to these will be able to provide a brief review. In fact, I only managed one full circuit of the vintage hall and this was towards the end of the day when many of the dealers were in the throes of packing up their wares. But I must say that everybody I spoke to, commented that they’d had a successful day and that generally, people’s interest in pens, pencils and ephemera was inquisitive and enthusiastic. For those of you who have never been to a pen show, I heartily recommend it. No matter how many gorgeous pictures of pens one might look at on the internet, there really is no substitute for seeing and handling them in person.

 

The day for me was one big flurry of activity. I was very ably assisted by my wife Jas and my son Bryn (aged 12) who incidentally is rapidly developing an excellent eye for pens. We had an early start, leaving Birmingham at 0600 arriving at the show in plenty of time to start setting up at 0900. The crowd that greeted me in the lobby whilst waiting for the doors to open was like one big global reunion. I ran into Alfonso Mur (Madrid Pen Show), Shabbir Solanki, Tsachi Mitsenmacher, Gary Lehrer, Cliff Harrington, Mike Selway, Steve Hull, Andre Mora, Francis Goossens, David Parisi and many others. Such formidable pen knowledge and experience in a small confined space – awesome! Everybody seemed to be in a jovial mood sharing jokes and stories. The camaraderie is what makes Pen shows so special.

 

Once the show got going and the doors were opened to the public, I didn’t have a single spare moment to catch my breath. There was a constant stream of people at my table. I was pleased to receive some very kind compliments on my pens and I am happy to report that sales were very healthy. I waved goodbye to some old favourites including my Amber Etruria LE, my Delta Dolce Vita OS and my very nearly mint Burgundy Senior Maxima. But they all went to new(ish) collectors and users who took their time choosing and hopefully will put the pens to good use. Sales to other dealers were also excellent. It felt good to be able to sell pens to Gary Lehrer, Alfonso Mur, Cliff Harrington and others. I even managed to sell a two nice Parker Vacumatics to “Mr Parker” himself – David Shepherd. Maybe all those hours spent scouring eBay and the GB has paid off. It’s very satisfying that my collection and my knowledge of vintage pens has progressed so well over the past few years. I just have to brush up on my Snakes and VV clips

 

It was good to say hello to quite a number of Pentracers, FPNers and Zossers on the day. I can’t recall nor mention everybody, but I had very pleasant conversations with MichaelW, Mr Goldfink (Azad), Mario Escobar, Jean-Elie Sobolevicius and of course David Nishimura, Gary and Myrna Lehrer and Tsachi.

 

I am sorry to have rambled on for so long. It truly was a fabulous day. I only wish that it could have been longer and that I could have had a little more time to circulate around the other tables. Oh well, I have resolved to meet many of these guys in Madrid in November and my flights are booked for LA in February. I can’t wait !!

 

Heady days are back !!

 

Apologies that there aren’t too many photos and that I can’t put names to all the faces. I just didn’t have any time to take any photos.

These photos are courtesy of Master Bryn Minhas.

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_002.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0006.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0003.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0007.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0008.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0009.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0010.jpg

 

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07412/IMG_0011.jpg

 

[twdpens]

Excellent review, Sarj. It seems we weren't the only ones too busy to get a proper look round the show.

 

I also remember the 1999 event - I think it was my first show. You are certainly right that no London show since has had that level of buzz, that is until last Sunday!

 

Best wishes,

 

Martin

[andyr7]

One thing that will probably never now be recaptured as part of the 'buzz' factor is the Friday pen auction at Bonhams (as mentioned by Sarj), or wherever. This was generally the best auction of the year and must have helped entice additional buyers and sellers from overseas to come for a long weekend.

 

I guess this is just another 'sign of the times'.....

 

Andy

[belfast-popeye]

Brilliant review Sarj, thank you I'm in London later in the month so i couldn't come down for the show as well but enjoyed the Northern pen show earlier in the year.

 

Just like to make everyone aware there is a good write up about the show, WES, collecting in general in Octobers issue of Antiques and Collectables magazine.

[mr goldfink]

Sarj - What a super run through of the 2007 Pen Show London style.

 

Having attended the London show for the first time I can attest to the buzz, but must say I picked up a lot more stuff at the Northern Show (an unsung hero of pen shows). Still it was a great day and I made a long weekend of it down in London which was fun. Maybe spent a bit too much in the fashion boutiques of Kensington High Street and Sloane Square but no regrets -picked myself up a very nice coat and tie!

 

Just wanted to add that it was fab to catch up with you - you have the most boundless energy and enthusiasm for pens and pen folk and I think you are a true asset to the pen community!I am sure that all who have met you will agree!

 

Cheers, Azad (aka Mr Goldfink)

[Sarj]

Just wanted to add that it was fab to catch up with you - you have the most boundless energy and enthusiasm for pens and pen folk and I think you are a true asset to the pen community!I am sure that all who have met you will agree!

 

Cheers, Azad (aka Mr Goldfink)

 

Thanks Azad, it was great to meet you as well.

I'm ususally quite lazy and lethargic, but put me in a room full of pens and I go loopy ! :bunny01:

 

So what did you end up going for? Hugo Boss, Armani? maybe something quintessentially British like Hackett?

Me? I'm strictly a "man at C&A" type of guy

[mr goldfink]

Just wanted to add that it was fab to catch up with you - you have the most boundless energy and enthusiasm for pens and pen folk and I think you are a true asset to the pen community!I am sure that all who have met you will agree!

 

Cheers, Azad (aka Mr Goldfink)

 

Thanks Azad, it was great to meet you as well.

I'm ususally quite lazy and lethargic, but put me in a room full of pens and I go loopy ! :bunny01:

 

So what did you end up going for? Hugo Boss, Armani? maybe something quintessentially British like Hackett?

Me? I'm strictly a "man at C&A" type of guy

 

Hi Sarj

 

I've a bit of a bent for fashion I'm afraid - found myself a super Reiss coat and tie. It is not really about the name for me - more the cut and fabric -but this tends to means cash must be handed over hand over fist.

 

I also loaded myself up with numerous bottles of ink including several bots of Montblanc Seasons Greetings (against my better judgement as Montblanc customer services have been the worst I have ever had the misfortune to deal with - both in their London boutiques and online) and Penman Saphire. Fortunately there were no leaks on the flight back- remember to screw those bottles tight Eric!

 

My plan is to go to a German pen show next time as my collection focus is on vintage Soenneckens, Goldfinks and MBs. Go to the source as they say. Any tips - some say Cologne is the best show and others say Hamburg. I think Cologne is on in April so may head there....

 

Cheers

 

Azad

Edited October 11, 2007 by mr goldfink