Caran d'Ache

Arnold Schweitzer was an admirer of the famous French caricaturist of the Belle Epoque, Emmanuel Poiré, and was directly inspired by him in naming his new company. Poiré was born in Moscow in 1858 and was the grandson of an officer in Napoleon’s army. He moved to France at the age of 19 and in 1880, he delivered his first drawings to La Chronique Parisienne. He then created his “stories without words” before beginning a long collaboration with the Lundi de Figaro in 1895. Later he contributed to a number of publications and created silhouettes for shadow theatre. Poiré became famous for his ability to create the illusion of crowds of people in motion and for his mastery of perspective. He is now considered to be one of the fathers of the cartoon strip. But it was his signature, Caran d’Ache—a phonetic transcription of “karandash,” the Russian word for pencil—that Arnold Schweitzer took as the name of his company in 1924. In a slightly modified form, it is the logo of the Fine Arts range of products.

In 1929, the company made its first real mark in the history of writing instruments by launching the first mechanical clutch pencil, the Fixpencil. Two years later it revolutionized the world of color drawing with Prismalo, the only range of colored pencils with water-soluble leads. The 1930s also saw the debut of the first propelling pencils—Ecridor—in gold and silver and engraved by hand.

In 1952 Caran d’Ache created the famous Neocolor, with an unusual texture appropriate for several different art techniques. Later, a water-soluble version was launched. In 1970, the Madison collection was introduced, and it was the first collection to include a fountain pen. Then, in 1985, Neopastel—a collection of oil pastels—was introduced, followed in 1999 by the extra-fine wax pastels, Neoart Aquarelle. The 1990s were mostly focused on creating new models of writing instruments that enhanced several collections, including the Jewelry, Private, Hexagonal, Genève, Léman, Ecridor and Varius collections.

In 1999, La Modernista Diamonds entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s most expensive fountain pen.

As for innovations in this century, Caran d’Ache has set a fast pace in the fine arts range with the introduction of Museum—a spectrum of water-soluble colors with excellent light fastness—in 2003, and The Trunk, in 2005, a large chest custom-made to contain the entire range of fine arts products. In the past few years, other new limited-edition pens have been introduced.

These include Harmony, Matterhorn, Mario Botta for Caran d’Ache, the Ecridor 80th Anniversary, Black Series and Diamond & Lines. Most recently, Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, has created a limited edition that is unique and daringly chic: 7 writing instruments inspired by the Varius collection and beautifully encased in 7 rare materials to offer 7 interpretations of black, for use 7 days a week. Following the success of the Ecridor Eclat launched in 2005, Caran d’Ache is offering a new highly refined version of the legendary Ecridor ballpoint pen which will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year. Ecridor Eclat “Jardin en Hiver” should bring a touch of frost on a garden in winter.

By drawing on its research and development in the world of fine arts and the world of writing instruments, Caran d’Ache has managed to maintain its level of innovation and continue to surprise people who appreciate timeless products.

Caran d’Ache has been equally creative in distribution, developing and installing its “Shop-in-Shops” and “Corners” in prestigious points of sale around the world.The company is far more than a manufacturer of exclusive writing instruments. It has also proved itself to be a source of creative ideas that are always ahead of their time. The company’s philosophy comprises a strong desire to innovate, drawing on the expertise and technical skills of experienced craftsmen.

The Products
Caran d’Ache is recognized around the world for the superior quality of its products as well as for its respect for the manufacturing traditions associated with products that carry the “Swiss Made” label. Everyone who contributes to the success of Caran d’Ache shares the same basic approach, based on inspiration and creativity at the service of exceptional products.

The name Caran d’Ache has become a synonym for prestige, excellence and creativity. More than simply a brand, this Swiss company has imposed its own style: a Maison de Haute Écriture. Caran d’Ache is Switzerland’s only manufacturer of pencils, art supplies and prestigious writing instruments. It is an independent family enterprise that, thanks to its unique expertise, has acquired an international reputation for original and high-quality products. These include traditional and exclusive writing instruments, office supplies, luxury accessories and a wide range of fine art materials. Over the years, Caran d’Ache has developed an array of articles that are highly innovative, most notably in their use of new technologies and materials.

All Caran d’Ache products, except for the leather accessories and the men’s small jewelry items, are designed, developed and produced in Geneva. They are then sold around the world by a network of specialist distributors. With subsidiaries in Germany, France and Japan, a partnership in the United States, and excellent synergies in the Middle East, Caran d’Ache has a strong international presence and maintains close relationships with its clients and partners.

It is not by chance that Caran d’Ache has been a symbol of innovation, tradition and independence for more than 80 years. Like the great Swiss watchmakers, the company has satisfied the most demanding customers with its “Swiss Made” label. It is a guarantee of superior quality in technical areas such as precision, reliability and strength, as well as in aesthetic areas such as creativity, elegance, design and originality.

For this reason, Caran d’Ache is very careful in selecting its suppliers and all the components required for the production of its creations. It carefully respects all the applicable regulations and the strictest security norms, and it tests each writing instrument individually. It is also very aware of environmental issues, and in the manufacture of its pencils, the company increasingly uses wood from sustainable forests in countries with certifiable environmental management systems.

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