Tom Hessin: Five Generations of Crafting Pens — Legacy, History & Modern Design

In this conversation, founder Charlie Stockbridge shares the story behind Tom Hessin, a writing instruments brand rooted in five generations of family history dating back to 1870. The original business began with his great-great-grandfather, whose work quickly built a reputation for producing some of the finest steel pen nibs in the city. At the time, Birmingham was a global center of pen making, responsible for more than 75% of the world’s pens in the 1870s. Today, that heritage is being relaunched through a modern brand that celebrates everyday writing, craftsmanship, and the legacy of a family name. The company takes its name from Tom Hessin Charles, forming a direct connection to the lineage that kept the business alive across five generations. Charlie walks through the collections and the design philosophy behind each piece: The Charles Fountain Pen Created in collaboration with his father, this pen reflects the technical precision required in pen making—from nib performance to cap and barrel tolerances. It features a sleek taper design, lightweight feel, and the signature five-diamond legacy clip, representing each generation. Made of fine Italian resin, colors include: Thames Blue, Signature Blue, Castle Claret, Birmingham Noir, and Exhibition Red. Nib options include Extra Fine Flex, Fine, Medium, Broad, and Calligraphy Italic-Style/Stub. Nibs can be easily swapped with a twist mechanism. Rebel Collection Designed for a wider audience in both price and style, this metal pen line offers a modern feel with a satisfying cap click. Colors include Garrison Green (a nod to Birmingham heritage) and Jewellers Rouge (inspired by the Jewellery Quarter). Available as fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil. Edinburgh Collection A blend of metal and wood, featuring Fourth Bridge Red and Stockbridge Stone, celebrating two iconic elements of Edinburgh’s landscape. Available in fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint. Revolution Collection Named after the Industrial Revolution, this line features metal bands along the barrel and wooden options in Ebony or Walnut. Available as fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil options. Every Tom Hessin product arrives in a gift box with a protective sleeve. Fountain pens include standard converters and international cartridges. Across all collections, the brand’s identity carries the five diamonds and winged bird logo, symbolizing heritage and craftsmanship. With each design, the goal remains consistent: passing on a family legacy of writing to those who appreciate thoughtful tools made with history and intention. Shop all Tom Hessing pens at Blick Art Materials: https://www.dickblick.com/brands/tom-hessin/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=Vendor&utm_content=Tom_ Hessin_Crafting_Pens #TomHessin #FountainPens #WritingInstruments #PenHistory #BritishDesign