Matte brushed steel Bauhaus Lamy 2000 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil
£200.00
One of only two remaining German family owned and run pen makers (unlike Pelikan and Montblanc which are both publicly listed and multinational-group owned) - Lamy deserves particular attention for its contribution in developing truly modern pens.
The company was founded by Josef Lamy in 1930. Prior to starting his own business Josef Lamy had in fact been working as a sales rep for Parker and this influence can be found in Lamy's early pens which used the same filling system as Parker and who's conservative designs were loosely based on the classic 1921 Duofold.
Where he, and his son Dr Manfred Lamy innovated radically was their use of moulded plastics - as opposed to hand turned acrylics and celluloids. Much like Braun and Olivetti, this post-war company was interested with ideas of modernity, Lamy broke with the past by creating mass manufactured writing tools with a design function-over-form focused approach. Here pictured Lamy's headquarters in 1957.
Unsuprisingly an exemplary specimen of Bauhaus design, and Lamy's most iconic pen, can be found in the Lamy 2000. Launched in 1966 the pen was designed by Gerd A. Müller, who was working at the time for Braun alongside Dieter Rams. Parallels between his razor design for Braun, the Sixtant SM3 (pictured here) and the Lamy 2000 (in the original Makrolon finish) are obvious - as much in the proportions and curved lines, as in its use of brushed metal and black plastic coexisting side by side.
As far as taste goes, you are in safe territory with the Lamy 2000, a staple of the designer and architect kit. This brushed metal finish variation on the classic black Makrolon model, is a weightier writing implement and suitable for those looking for something more substantial in hand, or for those wanting a bit more “bling”. “Elegant” is probably a more suited adjective to describe it, as indeed this pencil is flawless aesthetically and should attract the jealousy of all your colleagues and friends - which is surely what having nice pens is all about !
Body Material: Stainless brushed steel
Lead size: 0.7mm
Refill type: 0.7mm leads only
Replaceable eraser under the top click button
Dimensions:
Barrel diameter: 11mm (at widest point)
Length: 138mm
Is sold in a presentation box.
Matching Fountain Pen available here
Photo: Die Neue Sammlung - The International Design Museum Munich (A. Laurenzo)
