Montegrappa Elmo Ambiente Rollerball
Montegrappa Elmo Ambiente
Montegrappa has been manufacturing the world’s most magical pens in the same artisanal factory for more than a century. Combining luxurious materials, high craftsmanship and unrivalled writing pleasure, the independent maker’s quality and individualist flair make it a firm favourite of dignitaries, creatives and collectors. From his boardroom overlooking the Brenta River, Giuseppe Aquila appreciates more than ever the sheltered location of his family’s century-old company. Located in the heart of the northern Italian state of Veneto, Aquila’s staff were among the first in Europe to confront the onset of Covid-19. As the region gradually recovers, it’s evident that the experience has already created a terrain for new ideas. “We’ve always been steadfastly committed to artisanal, handmade production.” For the C.E.O./Creative Director of Montegrappa, this philosophy is more than a matter of preserving tradition: “It’s a way for Venetians to compete in the world: by continually evolving crafts perfected over centuries.” The Elmo Ambiente has been carved from recycled resin, and represents the company’s first foray into artisanal plastics. Production of the new model commences as the company’s workforce recovers from the anguish of recent months. To create the Elmo Ambiente, Montegrappa has collaborated with Smile Plastics, a studio specialising in innovative architectural surfaces – whose client list includes many of the leading names in conscious design and fashion. Each features a translucency that offers a view onto the pen’s internal mechanisms and a reflection on its origins.