The city of Delft in the Netherlands is a historical wonderland. The home of artist Johannes Vermeer and the scientist Antonie von Leeuwenhoek, the center of Delft blue porcelain and the historical hub of Dutch trading, Delft also boasts a tourist attraction for the pen enthusiast. In the historic heart of Delft, behind a 14th century church that houses the final resting places of deceased Dutch royal family members, is Frank van Krieken's cozy and beautiful Fontoplumo pen shop.
Fontoplumo is a solo operation-made all the more impressive by the fact that the Fontoplumo pen shop is the front-facing aspect of an online shop that Frank also owns and operates. He describes Fontoplumo as a hobby, but if so, he is one of the most serious hobbyists you will meet.
His interest in fountain pens dates back to grade school experiences of learning cursive with those writing instruments. When a friend received a Parker Sonnet and Frank tried it for himself, he was hooked on the writing experience. He purchased his own Parker Sonnet with a stainless steel nib and used it for years.
When he moved to the Hague, he discovered the pen shop PW. Akkerman and "a whole world of Italian pens. That is the moment I got really into pens." Looking for a challenge outside his professional field, Frank parlayed his knowledge into the Fontoplumo web store in 2012.
This story is from the April 2024 edition of PEN WORLD.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2024 edition of PEN WORLD.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
