A look back at Montblanc’s participation in the second edition of Homo Faber.
Montblanc showcased the artistry and beauty of its writing instrument craftsmanship at Homo Faber, the ground-breaking cultural experience in Venice. For those who don’t know, Homo Faber brings together international master artisans and rising stars to illustrate the diversity of materials, techniques, origins and skills behind functional everyday objects and outstanding decorative pieces.
Montblanc curated an immersive experience highlighting the art of nib craftsmanship, one of the purest expressions of Montblanc craftsmanship, with a skilled process that transforms gold into the nibs of its celebrated writing instruments.
The Montblanc space was located at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on Island San Giorgio Maggiore, guests were invited to learn about the anatomy of a fountain pen and the ingenuity behind the tool’s functions and elements.
They were introduced to the 12 production phases of a nib and got the chance to interact with craftspeople on-site. True to its mission to Inspire Writing, redsicovered the wonder of writing by hand at the Montblanc Writing Station with a bespoke nib presentation and through the testing of different ink colours.
As part of its participation in Homo Faber, Montblanc has partnered with Studio Marianne Guély’s on her project ‘The Imaginary Alphabet’ with the installation “ABCD’M” that echoes the cultural diversity of Venice, a city that over the centuries has made its mark in the world of art and craftsmanship. This contemporary tribute to Aldo Manuzio, the Venetian printer of 1515, is a subtle blend of cultures and savoir-faire transmitted through writing. The original installation is a reflection of this cultural place through the prism and values shared by Homo Faber, Montblanc and Studio Marianne Guély. The space is a metaphorical representation of this savoir-faire: the shelves of books represent this knowledge and know-how accumulated, written down, and transmitted over time like a precious treasure.
“We are delighted to return to Homo Faber, bringing with us the artistry and virtuosity of Montblanc artisans who oversee 35 skilled steps to handcraft our gold nibs. It is their enduring passion and expertise that have sustained Montblanc’s status as the great pioneer of writing culture as well as a custodian of the traditions of craftsmanship through the generations. A nod to the opening of Montblanc Haus in Hamburg this Spring, we are thrilled to spotlight the exceptional creativity of Studio Marianne Guély’s with a new work connected to the work she has created for our new brand destination that celebrates the wonder of handwriting,” explained Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO.
