Lacquer is one of those tricky terms. We know what it is—a durable, waterproof, clear, or pigmented varnish used to coat and protect wood or metal—but that definition incorporates a number of different concepts. Are we talking shellac? Traditional Japanese and Chinese urushiol? Cellulose-based paints? Acrylic resins? All are lacquer. None are S.T. Dupont lacquer.
When Simon Tissot Dupont founded his eponymous company in 1872, his specialty was in luxury leather goods. With the rise of next-generation ships, trains, and automobiles through the late 19th and early 20th century, luxury luggage became too bulky and heavy for the new trans-Atlantic liners. To lighten the overall weight of its leather luggage, S.T. Dupont replaced the wood parts of its luggage with a metal alloy similar to aluminum coated with a lacquer veneer, halving the luggage's weight.
The first laquer pieces for S.T. Dupont luggage were made in what was then called Indochina (present-day Vietnam). Andre and Lucien Dupont, who took over the running of S.T. Dupont from their father, wished to master lacquering techniques for themselves. Like so many iconic elements of the Dupont oeuvre, its mastery of lacquer began as a series of coincidences.
In 1935, Lucien Dupont advertised for a new master plater for Dupont's metal-plating workshop in Paris, France. However, a typographical mistake caused the ad to read “looking for a metal lacquerer.” Russian émigré Georges Novossilitzeff, a traditionally trained lacquer artist, answered the call. Lucien immediately recognized the talent and vision of the man and hired him on the spot. "Novos," as Novossilitzeff became known, taught the brothers Dupont all the secrets he knew of Chinese lacquer application.
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Denne historien er fra February 2022-utgaven av PEN WORLD.
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Remembering Ward Dunham (October 11, 1941 - August 24, 2024)
On August 24, 2024, calligrapher Ward Dunham passed away.
The Black Pen Society and the D.C. Pen Show: Poobah in a Flower Pot
Do you like black pens? If so, you are probably already familiar with the fun, frivolity, and fellowship associated with the Black Pen Society (BPS).
Stationery Fest: This Is Not a Pen Show
Daisy and Neil Ni's twist on the traditional pen show is about community, not commerce.
"It Has Style:" A History of the Aurora Hastil (1969-1970)
The Italian pen company's experiment in modernism led to a revolution in late 20th century pen design. A two-part series.
GW Pens Scores a Critical Hit
With new collections inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and Fender guitars, artisan John Greco is tapping into cultural trends.
Roterfaden's "Pocket Companion' "
The Taschenbegleiter hand-made planner system from German artisan cooperative Roterfaden features a modular organizational system that grows with the user's ambitions.
S.T. Dupont Takes the Iron Throne
The French atelier continues its forays into popular culture with a new, officially licensed Game of Thrones collection.
More Mail, More Dip-Less
The six-part series on dip-less (or one-dip) fountain pens garnered some major attention through its run from October 2023 through August 2024 (Vol. 36 No. 6 Vol. 37 No. 5).
David Oscarson: A Reflection
The artisan pen maker celebrates 25 years of luxury writing instruments with a new collection that harkens to his Art Nouveau roots.
The Parkette Hopalong Cassidy Ballpoint Pen
The Jotter was advertised as Parker's first ballpoint pen, but a novelty item that played on the Hopalong Cassidy culture craze predated it.
