Welcome to Glenn's Pens
For years I have been an avid user of fountain pens. The character of the writing with a fountain pen versus the character-less ball point pen makes writing more personal. I also like the ownership of a pen that I have selected and means something to me. I believe your pen, an expression of you, is one way to make you mark in your written communications.
Through my travels I always look for pens stores in the cities we visit. I started collecting names and addresses of stores that sell fountain pens and publishing a directory. Some of the stores were "great pen stores" and I have listed them accordingly.
Since starting "Glenn's Pen Page" with my reviews of pen stores, others have provided information about stores they have found. This all results in creating a good reference point on pens, pen stores, pen inks and pen companies.
When you come across a "Great Pen Store" or a great bottle of fountain pen ink send me an note with your thoughts. If you can provide address information and hints on finding the store that would be very helpful. I will include it with the next update.
In September 2009 I met Giuseppe Aquila, President of Montegrappa. Well known, Montegrappa has been making pens since 1912.
In 2000, Montegrappa was acquired by the Richemont Group, a company that also owns Montblanc. Now, in 2009 the company has left Richemont after being purchased by the Aquila Family. Montegrappa is now distributed in North America by Kenro. I had a great visit with Giuseppe Aquila to talk about Montegrappa pens and the future vision of Montegrappa. Read about the visit here.
For the past few years I have been visiting with the "Italians", Italian pen manufacturers and I have appreciated the opportunity to meet the owners or directors, their employees and become more aquainted with their products.
