Pineider Paper - the finest in the world - Made in Italy - Available at SB Bespoke in Washington, DC
Paper by Pineider | Extraordinary, Superior Quality Writing Papers
Pineider is one of Italy’s oldest paper manufacturers, having catered to a suitably discerning clientele since Francesco Pineider opened his first shop in 1774. ‘Our stationery is one of a kind and known internationally for the unique quality of the paper stocks and the exclusive printing techniques of our master hand engravers,’ explains company spokeswoman Linda Zamboni. ‘Our paper is all chlorine-free, the inks are natural, and we apply traditional Italian artisanal methods to make our papers perfect to the touch and wonderful to write on.’
The company has been able to survive and thrive for more than 240 years by maintaining the traditional production methods from which its first fortunes were made. Yet modern techniques have also been incorporated. ‘Of course, new techniques and new technologies have changed some procedures,’ Zamboni says. ‘But the colouring of the borders in some of our collections is still done by hand, as it used to be ages ago. It’s the same with the making of our paper boxes, which are handcrafted in house.’
From made-to-order visiting cards to writing papers featuring elegant, embossed characters and coats of arms, Pineider’s varied product range has always attracted a dedicated following. Former clients include literary heavyweights such as Lord Byron and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Hollywood stars from Marlene Dietrich to Elizabeth Taylor. ‘Our clientele is still the most refined in the world,’ says Zamboni. ‘We’re very thankful to all those who appreciate the unique quality of our made-in-Italy stationery products.’
Today, the company offers a wide range of stationery goods, from beautifully crafted pieces for a special occasion – papers featuring hand-engraved cursive lettering, and modern square cards and envelopes with printed coloured borders – to the Capri collection, which features hand-coloured borders made from natural pigments and envelopes with matching handmade tissue paper lining. The company is continually evolving. Zamboni reveals a development hitherto a secret: Pineider is about to launch a new engraving technique. It will, she says, ‘have the result of an embossed printing from a hand-engraved cast of a calligraphic text.’
In a world where communication is increasingly conducted electronically, it is heartening to see that demand for high-quality stationery in Italy has increased rather than diminished. Without losing touch with their roots, the companies that first catered to the literary elite and aristocratic adventurers have been able to develop their product selections to appeal to a modern audience. As Zamboni explains, ‘hand engraving dates back to previous centuries but, of course, now new technologies are involved. The precision of the master engraver, though, is the same as it used to be.’