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Last time we talked about popular pens for journal writing. Today we’re going to take a look back in history at the companies who made journal writing possible before the ever popular Moleskine. Sure, you could run to your nearest Barnes & Noble, Target, or Walmart and snag a new Moleskine off the shelf, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But before you do, let’s take a walk down history lane and visit nine writing journal producers that existed before Moleskine became the defacto journal company.
Do journals make you happy? I hope you find this as interesting as I did. Let’s dive in!
Inside this article:
Smythson of Bond Street
Smythson of Bond Street is a British brand that specializes in luxury leather goods, stationery, and writing journals. It was founded in 1887 by Frank Smythson, a stationer who had previously worked for his father’s firm, John Menzies & Co. In its early days, Smythson of Bond Street was a small shop on Bond Street in London that sold stationery, calling cards, and other paper products.
Over the years, Smythson of Bond Street gained a reputation for producing high-quality paper products, including writing journals, notebooks, and diaries. The brand was known for its attention to detail, using only the finest materials and employing skilled craftsmen to produce its products.
In the early 20th century, Smythson of Bond Street began to expand its product line and open new stores. It became a favorite of the British royal family and other high-profile clients, including Winston Churchill, Katharine Hepburn, and Grace Kelly.
During World War I, Smythson supplied the British army with leather-bound dispatch cases, and after the war, the company began to expand its product line to include other leather goods such as passport covers, address books, and diaries.
In the 1920s, Smythson introduced a range of colorful leather-bound notebooks that became very popular among artists, writers, and other creative types. These notebooks were made with high-quality paper and were designed to be used with a fountain pen, making them ideal for journaling or other forms of writing.
Smythson continued to expand its product line in the decades that followed and opened new stores in London and other major cities around the world. The company remained a favorite of the British aristocracy and other wealthy individuals, and its products were often given as gifts to heads of state and other dignitaries.
In the 1960s, Smythson of Bond Street was acquired by the Piguet family, who expanded the brand’s product line and opened new stores around the world. In recent years, Smythson has continued to innovate and expand its product line, while maintaining its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Today, the company produces a wide range of leather goods and paper products, including writing journals, diaries, and notebooks, that are sold in its stores around the world and online. Despite the many changes that have taken place since its founding, Smythson remains one of the world’s most prestigious brands for luxury stationery and leather goods.
Smythson writing journals range from $355 to $465 USD and are listed as the “Soho Notebook” and “Panama Notebook” and range from $75 to $425 online.
Cartier (France)
Cartier is a French luxury brand that is best known for its jewelry and watches. However, the company has also produced a range of other luxury goods over the years, including writing journals.
Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, who established his first shop on Rue Montorgueil. At the time, the company primarily produced jewelry and other luxury items for wealthy clients in Paris and beyond.
In the early 20th century, Cartier began to expand its product line to include other luxury goods such as leather goods, watches, and writing instruments. This expansion was driven in part by the company’s desire to appeal to a wider range of customers and to establish itself as a leading producer of luxury goods.
One of Cartier’s most notable forays into the production of writing journals came in 1912, when the company introduced a line of notebooks that were designed to be used with a fountain pen. These notebooks were made with high-quality paper and were bound in leather covers that featured the company’s signature design elements, including the panther motif and the double C logo.
Over the years, Cartier continued to produce a range of writing journals and other paper products, often featuring the company’s signature design elements and luxurious materials such as leather, silk, and precious metals. These products were often given as gifts to clients and other VIPs, and they became highly sought after among collectors of luxury goods.
Today, Cartier continues to produce a range of luxury goods, including writing instruments and leather goods, that are sold in its stores around the world and online. They no longer produce writing journals, unfortunately, but as with all brands listed here, I would love to see photos of any collectible Cartier journals you may have in your possession. Drop me a note in the contact form to share or DM me on Instagram.
Leuchtturm1917
Leuchtturm1917 is a German company that was founded in 1917 in Germany by Paul Koch, who began producing albums and other paper products for collectors. The company’s name is derived from the German word for lighthouse (“Leuchtturm”), which reflects Koch’s desire to guide and inspire people through his products.
Over the years, Leuchtturm1917 expanded its product line to include a wide range of paper products, including writing journals, notebooks, and planners. These products were known for their high quality and attention to detail, and they became popular among writers, artists, and other creative individuals.
In the early 2000s, Leuchtturm1917 introduced a line of writing journals that became particularly popular among journaling enthusiasts. These journals featured high-quality paper, durable covers, and a range of design options, including lined, dotted, and blank pages.
Today, Leuchtturm1917 is a leading producer of paper products, with a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation. The company continues to introduce new products and features, such as its trademarked “Bullet Journal Method” that has gained a cult following in the journaling community.
Leuchtturm1917’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following among journaling enthusiasts. The company’s journals are available in a wide range of colors and styles online.
Rhodia
Rhodia is a French company that produces writing journals and notebooks. It was founded in Lyon, France in 1932 as part of the historic Clairefontaine paper mill. The company’s name was derived from the Rhône River, which flows through Lyon, and the Greek word “odia”, meaning “the path to knowledge”.
In the early years, Rhodia focused on producing high-quality paper for industrial and commercial use, including paper for printing and packaging. However, the company also produced a range of paper products for personal use, including writing journals and notebooks.
Rhodia’s writing journals were particularly popular among writers, artists, and other creative individuals, who appreciated the high-quality paper and durable covers that were designed to withstand regular use.
Over the years, Rhodia has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new features such as its trademarked “dot grid” paper that has gained a loyal following among journaling enthusiasts.
Today, the company’s products are sold in stores around the world and online, and they are particularly popular among writers, artists, and journal enthusiasts. Rhodia’s writing journals and notebooks are considered some of the best in the world.
Clairefontaine
Clairefontaine is a French paper mill and stationary company that has a long history of producing high-quality paper products, including writing journals.
Clairefontaine was founded in 1858 in the Vosges region of France by Jean-Baptiste Bichelberger. The company began producing paper for a variety of uses, including printing, packaging, and writing.
In the early 1900s, the company began to focus more on producing paper products for personal use, including writing journals and notebooks. These products quickly gained a reputation for their high quality and durability, and they became popular among writers, artists, and other creative individuals.
During World War II, Clairefontaine was one of the few paper mills in France that continued to operate, producing paper for the resistance movement and other clandestine activities. After the war, the company continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new features such as its signature “velouté” paper that is smooth and easy to write on.
Today, Clairefontaine is a leading producer of paper products, with a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation. The company’s products are sold in stores around the world and online, and they are particularly popular among writers, artists, and other creative individuals.
This organization’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following among paper product aficionados, and its writing journals and notebooks are considered some of the best in the world. The company continues to introduce new features and products to meet the evolving needs of its customers, while maintaining its tradition of excellence in paper manufacturing.
Paperblanks
Paperblanks is a Canadian company that produces a range of paper products, including writing journals and notebooks.
Paperblanks was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1992 by founder and CEO Wendy M. P. Lipton. The company’s mission was to produce high-quality paper products that combined art, literature, and design.
In the early years, Paperblanks focused on producing writing journals and notebooks that were inspired by historical and cultural traditions from around the world. These products featured intricate designs and durable covers that were designed to withstand regular use.
Over the years, Paperblanks has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new features such as its trademarked “Smyth sewn” binding that allows pages to lie flat and a range of paper options that cater to different writing styles.
Today, their products are sold in stores around the world and online, and they are still a popular choice among writers, artists, and other creatives.
Paperblanks’ has earned a loyal following among paper product aficionados, and its writing journals and notebooks are considered some of the most beautifully designed in the world.
Letts
Letts is a British company that produces many paper products including writing journals and notebooks.
The company was founded in 1796 in London, England by John Letts. It began as a stationery shop, selling a range of paper products including diaries and calendars.
In the early years, Letts focused on producing paper products for personal use, including writing journals and notebooks. These products quickly gained a reputation for their high quality and durability, and they became popular among writers, artists, and other creative individuals.
Over the years, Letts has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new features such as its trademarked “week to view” diary format that has become a standard in the industry.
Today, Letts is a leading producer of paper products, with a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation. The company’s products are sold worldwide and online, and are popular with writers and artists.
Quo Vadis
Quo Vadis is a French company that produces a range of paper products, including writing journals and notebooks. It was founded in Paris, France in 1954 by Jean-Paul Lorent. The company began as a small workshop that produced diaries and agendas for personal use.
In the early years, Quo Vadis focused on producing paper products that were both functional and stylish, incorporating innovative features such as perforated pages and expandable pockets.
Over the years, Quo Vadis has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new features such as its trademarked “sewn binding” that allows pages to lie flat and a range of paper options that cater to different writing styles.
Shinola
Shinola is an American company that produces a range of goods, including writing journals and notebooks.
Shinola was founded in 2011 in Detroit, Michigan, USA by Tom Kartsotis, the founder of the fashion accessory company Fossil. The company’s mission was to create jobs and revive manufacturing in Detroit, which had suffered greatly due to economic downturns in the auto industry.
Initially, Shinola focused on producing watches, bicycles, and leather goods, but it later expanded into other products such as writing journals and notebooks. These products featured high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they were designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Shinola’s commitment to American manufacturing and quality has earned it a loyal following, and its products are sold in stores around the world and online. The company’s writing journals and notebooks are particularly popular among writers, artists, and other creative individuals who appreciate the combination of style and functionality.
Shinola’s success has also helped to revitalize Detroit’s manufacturing sector, with the company creating hundreds of jobs and investing in local facilities and equipment. Today, Shinola is a leading producer of American-made goods, and it continues to innovate and expand its product line to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Conclusion
A variety of journal book companies have been producing high-quality writing journals for decades or even centuries. These companies offer a wide range of styles, materials, and designs, making it possible for writers, artists, and other creative individuals to find the perfect journal to suit their needs.
While Moleskine may be the most well-known brand in the world of writing journals, it is important to remember that there are many other companies that have been producing high-quality journals for much longer. Whether you are looking for a classic leather-bound journal or a colorful, contemporary notebook, there is a company out there that can provide you with the perfect writing journal to suit your style and preferences.
So if you are in the market for a new writing journal, consider exploring some of these other brands before defaulting to Moleskine. Not only will you be supporting companies with long and interesting histories, but you may also discover a new favorite journal that you never would have found otherwise.