The Power of The Pencil

Day to Day

Uncover the fascinating history behind the humble pencil...

Oh, the humble pencil! A pocket-sized powerhouse of creativity, ready to capture a spark of inspiration at a moment’s notice. From scribbling brilliant ideas to sketching designs, it has been a trusty companion to artists and designers for centuries.

The history of the pencil is as charming as the little tool itself. Back in 1858, Hymen Lipman gave us the first pencil with an attached eraser — what a stroke of genius! Since then, this unassuming marvel has left a mighty legacy. Did you know that a single pencil can be sharpened 17 times, write 45,000 words, or draw a line stretching 35 miles? And if that’s not impressive enough, it can be used underwater, in space and even upside down!

With 14 billion pencils produced every year — enough to wrap around the Earth more than 40 times, it’s safe to say that the world shares our love for them.

As they say, the devil is in the details and our pencils are no exception. We’ve designed a bespoke pencil for each of our hotels, carefully selecting Pantone shades that reflect the personality and charm of every location.

The colour selection process is a meticulous labour of love. Each shade is chosen with care, ensuring that it harmonises beautifully with the essence of the hotel it represents. The zesty yellows of Knightsbridge Hotel radiate warmth and energy, the deep blues of Charlotte Street Hotel reflect calm, while the fiery red of Dorset Square Hotel commands attention with confidence and passion.

In addition to our hotel range, we have a multi-coloured design that signifies Shop Kit Kemp. It is a vibrant representation of the entire Firmdale collection, encapsulating the joyful and creative spirit that runs through each of our spaces.

In a world of digital quick-fixes, the pencil remains a delightful and irreplaceable tool. We believe that even the smallest details can tell a story and our bespoke pencils do just that. They capture the essence of our spaces, bringing a touch of whimsy and creativity wherever they go. Proof that sometimes, the tiniest treasures hold the most charm!

For those wishing to take a piece of Firmdale home, our shop offers a beautifully curated pencil box featuring the full spectrum of our hotel colours. Explore this vibrant collection here.