Luxury and literature - Montblanc launches Jonathan Swift pen

Luxury brands are increasingly looking to associate themselves with culture, in particular arts and literature. Consider the arts prized launched by the literary Mamounia hotel in Marrakech or the fact that the London hotels such as the newly refurbished Savoy and the new Corinthia are employing a scion of the Blackwells bookshop family to choose the right books for their suites and public areas.

Swift to Satirise: the new
Montblanc Writers Edition

  One brand which has a long connection with literature, not surprisingly, perhaps, is Montblanc. As a brand firmly anchored in writing culture, Montblanc makes it its cultural duty to pay tribute to the most distinguished authors and luminaries who have shaped human thought with the power of their words. 

  With its Writers Edition issued every year since 1992, Montblanc remembers the literary icons of history and their legacies with exquisitely crafted writing instruments. The Writers Edition 2012 is dedicated to British-Irish writer Jonathan Swift: writer, poet and essayist often considered the most important prose satirist in the English language, and creator of the satiric masterpiece: “Gulliverʼs Travels”.

  The new writing instrument, available at a recommended retail price of £635.00 (including VAT), features a barrel made of black lacquer and is decorated with multi-layered inlays reminiscent of the ropes that were used to bind Gulliver at the beach of Lilliput island.

  The cap is made of precious black resin, and shaped like Gulliver’s tricorn – a typical tradesman three-cornered hat popular in the 18th century, and bears the signature of Jonathan Swift. A platinum-plated clip depicts the staircase the mayor of Lilliput had to climb to be able to talk to Gulliver, and the instrument’s delicately designed rhodium-plated 18K gold nib is decorated with an elaborate engraving showing the imperial army of Lilliput marching between Gulliver’s legs.

  The Montblanc Writers Edition 2012: Jonathan Swift fountain pen is only available in a strictly limited edition worldwide, and can be bought in Montblanc boutiques from August 2012.

LINLEY CELEBRATES JUBILEE WITH ITS HORSE GUARDS DESK

Right on: LINLEY's Horse Guard's Parade Desk

Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee tastefully is a challenge for many luxury brands. Her Majesty’s great milestone provides for a great opportunity to create a special produce but avoiding producing something that can be dismissed as bunting with bling is easier said than done.

  Furniture maker LINLEY has achieved a notable success here with its Horse Guards’ Parade Desk. The desk will be auctioned later this year to raise funds for The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

  Fashioned from walnut and Bombay rosewood, the desk features an architectural miniature of the distinctive Horse Guards’ Building designed by William Kent in 1745.  This building will be familiar to many as every year the Queen’s official birthday is celebrated with the Trooping of the Colour right in front of it. It is in front of this building also that the beach volleyball will take place during the London Olympics.

  The desk is expected to raise in excess of £120, 000 for the Foundation.  David Linley said:  “I am thrilled to be able to support The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry in raising funds for the extremely worthwhile charities that benefit from their attention and help.”

Flagging it up: drawer detail

  The early priorities of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry are young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged or in need of help and support at a crucial time in their lives; sustainable development to help build on the growing awareness of the need to find better more sustainable models to balance development and conservation of resources and the natural environment; and finally the welfare of those who serve their country in the Armed Forces, particularly in supporting them through the challenges of returning to civilian life and providing support for their families.

  This last theme is especially be-fitting as the iconic London building of the Horse Guards’ Parade is the actual home of the Household Cavalry.