The legacy of Conway Stewart pens is rich and steeped in history. Founded in 1905 by Frank Jarvis and Thomas Garner in London, Conway Stewart & Company Ltd. made a name for itself in the world of writing instruments, especially fountain pens. Jarvis and Garner, who had previously worked for the De La Rue Company, a leading British fountain pen manufacturer, drew on their experience to start their own business. The name “Conway Stewart” was inspired by a popular music hall act of the time.
Throughout the 1920s, the company quickly developed a diverse product line, offering fountain pens with various types of filling mechanisms, materials, and sizes. This business model proved successful, and Conway Stewart increased its market share, often at the expense of other established manufacturers.
The 1950s were known as the golden years for Conway Stewart, marked by the creative use of coloured plastic. However, the advent of the ballpoint pen led to declining sales of fountain pens, affecting the company significantly. Despite these challenges, Conway Stewart persisted and was revived in the 1990s.
The Craftsmanship of Conway Stewart
Conway Stewart is renowned for its attention to detail and craftsmanship. The brand has been known for its materials, many of which reproduce the depth of colour typically found only in vintage celluloid. For instance, the “Honey Noire” acrylic used in the Series 100 is described as having flecks of dark golden brown and black mixed with streaks of iridescence, creating an effect not often seen elsewhere.
The Series 100 is one of the smaller and lighter Conway Stewart models. Unposted, the pen is approximately 5 inches in length; posted, it jumps to 6.5 inches. Despite its light weight, the cartridge-converter filling system prevents the pen from becoming unbalanced. This, along with its flexibility and ease of cleaning, is considered a key benefit of the cartridge-converter system.
In the current production of Conway Stewart pens, the nibs are engraved with the Conway Stewart logo and are nicely tuned. The medium 18k nib, for instance, writes a moderately wet line, with a traditional western-medium width and just a touch of bounce.
The Legacy of Conway Stewart Fountain Pens
Conway Stewart fountain pens have a legacy of reliability, affordability, and attractive designs. The brand’s pens have even been used by notable figures such as Winston Churchill and various members of the royal family.
Despite the company’s challenges and changes in ownership, the legacy of Conway Stewart continues. Today, the brand offers a range of high-quality fountain pens that retain the vintage-inspired design and well-tuned nibs that Conway Stewart is known for.
Whether you’re a collector or simply someone who appreciates a good pen, Conway Stewart offers a wide range of options to explore. From their beautifully crafted nibs to their unique material choices, Conway Stewart pens truly offer a piece of history with every stroke.
This deep dive into our Conway Stewart fountain pen collection is a testament to the enduring quality and unique craftsmanship of the brand. The legacy of Conway Stewart is a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted fountain pens. With their unique designs, quality materials, and attention to detail, Conway Stewart pens continue to capture the hearts of writing enthusiasts
around the world.