Now, perhaps more than ever, is a good time to think about writing a letter. For more than two years, most of the interaction between people has moved online, and communication is now done either on Zoom or other similar platforms, or via email. And I’m not saying technology isn’t great, but nothing is more genuine than a handwritten letter and I hope, dear reader, that you agree with me. With so many options on the market, we’ve rounded up 3 fine stationery brands where you can find premium quality stationery to surprise your recipients.
Smythson of Bond Street
Smythson has a long history dating back to 1887 when Frank Smythson opened his first store on Bond Street, offering fine stationery and luxury goods. Some may not know it, but from 1890 Smythson was commissioned to produce stationery for each of Her Majesty’s residences.
I have to admit, Smythson has long been on my radar and after spending a little time on their website I have come to fall in love with their stationery products. You’ll find a wide variety of designs, from plain cards to cards with hand-printed borders or playful motifs, including the iconic British Bus, Devon Rex Cat, Whippet Dog, etc. Of course, they also offer Bespoke stationery for the most pretentious customers. The paper quality is excellent and it’s also fountain pen friendly, so you don’t have to worry about feathering. Plain postcards come in boxes of 50, while the bordered cards come in sets of 10 along with envelopes.
Visit Smythson’s website here.
Pineider
Similar to Smythson, but with slightly more tradition in stationery than the British brand, Pineider was founded in 1774 in Florence, Italy, by Francesco Pineider. Its stationery and leather goods became very popular among nobility, royalty and celebrities throughout its history and enjoy the same success today. On their website you will find their correspondence books along with envelopes divided by collection, from Boston, Capri, Milan to the Vatican and Florence. In addition to the classic collections, Pineider also offers Bespoke stationery.
You can discover Pineider’s Stationery selection here.
Dempsey & Carroll
From Florence we fly straight to New York for the third stationery brand on our list: Dempsey and Carroll. The brand was founded back in 1878 by John Dempsey, a talented engraver, and George Carroll, a savvy businessman who have embarked on a mission to provide customers with luxury stationery, a mission that is successfully continued by those running the business today. On their website you’ll find the classic correspondence cards (with borders or different motifs), but they also offer Bespoke stationery, which means you can customise your correspondence cards and envelopes as you wish.
Check out Dempsey & Carroll’s website here.
Currently, you can also find great deals on Smythson and Dempsey & Carroll’s websites as both brands are running discount campaigns.
