Changes in Madrid

Some interesting changes in the pen scene in Madrid have taken place recently.

Álvaro Romillo’s brick and mortar shop, “Club de Estilográficas de España”, is now closed. However, his plethora of online business related to pens remain active. That includes the manufacture and distribution of his brand RomilloPens.

On the other hand, two other shops have open in the past months:

-- IguanaSell, a well-known online business, is now also a physical shop at Madrid’s Barrio de Salamanca. It is devoted to watches and pens, and it only sells new goods. IguanaSell, might be worth to note, is the sole distributor of Nakaya in Spain. Its address is as follows:

C. Núñez de Balboa 90
28006 Madrid
Phone: 914 415 041
http://www.iguanasell.com

Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00


-- Miestilografica.com is the most recent arrival. New pens, and a good selection of inks. This is its address:

C. Bretón de los Herreros 52
28003 Madrid
Phone: 913 995 670
http://miestilografica.com

Open Monday to Friday, 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00. Saturday, 10:00-14:00.


This information is now included on the page of Madrid pen shops.

Platinum Pocket Pen, music nib – Nakajim Sumire-iro

Bruno Taut
Madrid, November 23rd, 2014. Corrected on December 3rd, 2014.
labels: Madrid, mercado

Madrid Pen Show 2014

November is the month of the Madrid Pen Show. This year, it reaches its 11th edition and has become one of the greatest pen events in Europe. Indeed a remarkable feat given the lack of manufacturing tradition (of pens, that is) in this city, and the mostly domestic-market-oriented pen industry in Spain in general.

The Madrid Pen Show will be celebrated during three days –from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th— in November at the hotel NH Eurobuilding. The admission fee is EUR 3 per day or EUR 5 for the whole show. Free invitations are available courtesy of the sponsor IguanaSell: visit their shop in Madrid or asked for those via the submission form.

So far there are 68 traders who have confirmed their assistance. They come mostly from Europe, but there are usually traders from the US as well. Some of them are well known in the pen scene in general, and active participants in the pen-show world tour (not that it officially exists as such, but sure there are pen shows every weekend somewhere in Europe or America).

If you happen to attend this pen show feel free to say hello.

Pilot Jumbo size 50 maki-e – Pilot Blue

Bruno Taut
Nakano, October 22nd 2014
etiquetas: Madrid, España, evento

Madrid Pen Show 2013

The Tenth Madrid Pen Show was celebrated about a week ago (November 15th to 17th). It was an exciting event with thousands of pens, and hundreds of visitors and tens of traders…

For the first time in its 10-year history, the number of visitors surpassed the figure of 1000. The number of pen traders, though, was smaller than on year 2012 with just over 40 of them, coming from Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, UK, USA, Switzerland, and Spain. But those figures are enough to make this event one of the leading pen shows in Europe.

That about the commercial aspect of the show. The social part was very active too. After all, the pen show is the big party of pen stylophiles in Spain, and meeting all those brothers in pens becomes as important as finding and buying that rare tool. But the vast majority of visitors were Spanish –the exceptions being German, Japanese, Mexican and Portuguese— and attracting foreign customers might be the next challenge for organizers in the years to come.

The third leg of any event like this should be the didactic one. A pen show is a great opportunity to organize workshops and seminars on all things fountain pen—from history notes to calligraphy training to fixing procedures. Attracting younger generations –potential users and collectors— is also an investment for the future. However, these activities are totally ignored during this pen show. I should add, however, that some traders in Madrid organize a monthly encounter –the Tertulias of Amigos de las Estilográficas (their website is far from being updated, although the events are celebrated)— where the didactic side of pen collecting is covered. The paradox is that the November meeting was not celebrated because of the Pen Show.

But the best summary of the Madrid Pen Show might be the following video. The author, José Riofrío, has captured the pleasant atmosphere of both the commercial and the social dimensions of the show, including the dinner of a large group of stylophiles.

These events are easily overwhelming, but also very pleasant.

My thanks to Mr. José Riofrío.

Pilot FCN-500R-B – Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuyu-Kusa

Bruno Taut
Madrid, November 24th, 2013
etiquetas: evento, estilofilia, mercado

Networking

A pen show is always an overwhelming experience. There are too many pens on display and too little money. On top of that, a pen show is a meeting point where a number of stylophiles congregate. It is easy -and convenient too!- to talk and to exchange information and experiences. Those are, in fact, the basic elements of a pen show—the commercial and the social.

However, not all pen shows cater the social aspect in the same way. The raison d’être of a any such event is obviously the commercial, and its success is based upon the arithmetic of the trade. The social aspect is, therefore, too often overseen by the organizers.

Vymars's table.

The De Leo and Gargioulo's tables.

Such is the case, in my opinion, of the Madrid Pen Show. This year, the change in the venue roughly doubled the available space, but it seems that only traders could benefit from this. Most of them could display more pens, and they were more comfortable behind their tables. But we visitors felt there was not much more space to move around than on previous years. On Saturday, the big day of the event, the lounge was truly crowded. I should also note that this year there were more cafes and restaurants around the hotel, but many of us thought they were too far away.

Sarj Minhas's table.

Toys from the Attic.

It is my contention that the social networking associated to these events does generate economic benefits that would cover for the cost of devoting some specific space to this more relaxed activity.

This year, the bare figures of the Madrid Pen Show –on its ninth edition— matched almost exactly those of the past year—45 traders from eight different countries, and about 800 visitors. Given the condition of the Spanish economy, the Madrid Pen Show was a big success.

Pilot Elite, pocket pen, posting nib – Pilot Blue

Bruno Taut
Madrid, November 29th, 2012
labels: evento, Madrid, mercado

Autumn in Madrid

IX Madrid Pen Show. November 16-18th, 2012. NH-Eurobuilding Hotel (Padre Damián, 23. 28036 Madrid).

Entry fee, EUR 3 per day. Voided with the invitation shown on this link. Carry one copy per person per day.
Opening hours for visitors: Friday: 11:00-20:00
                                            Saturday: 10:00-20:00
                                            Sunday: 10:00-14:30

The Madrid Pen Show is one of the big trading events in Europe. On the last edition about 50 traders and 1000 visitors gathered to discuss and learn about pens, and to trade them too! This year, the event will take place at a much larger venue –roughly twice the space of that in previous years—at the NH Eurobuilding Hotel. However, the organizers say the number of traders will not change by much. The primary consequence will be a more relaxing atmosphere in less crowded lounges. And, hopefully, more pens.

Pilot Petit-1 – Diamine Teal

Bruno Taut
Shinjuku, October 24th, 2012
labels: Madrid, evento, mercado

Madrid 2011

The Eighth Madrid Pen Show has just finished. As is often the case with these events, it was a big celebration for all of us lovers of fountain pens and other writing utensils.


Paradoxically, this show is becoming one of the leading events of its kind in Europe. We should remember that the pen industry in Spain was never truly important, and it was localized mainly in Barcelona, and Spanish pens are seldom, if ever, collected by foreign stylophiles. So, those arguments that apply to other pen shows located in cities with a deep manufacturing tradition do not apply in Madrid—does anybody come to Madrid in search a locally made exotic and unique pen? Maybe the 43 traders from Europe and America supplied a number of outstanding pens.


Last year, the seventh edition received about 1000 visitors, and this year everybody said there were less people (about 850, Pen Show sources say), as was the trend on other European pen shows. Figures about the size of the transactions are not made public.


However, this pen show has a big problem of space. Some of the trader’s tables were small and moving around became difficult with just a few number of visitors. Organizers said that the venue for next year’s show will be bigger. I look forward to it, but I am also afraid that organizers think more of the trader than of the visitor. Having more space for more traders with ampler tables is great, but too often the social aspect of the show is ignored. Pen shows are also a meeting place for stylophiles, who keep in touch through fora and blogs. And few occasions are as perfect as pen show for a gathering.



Then, what many an organizer ignores is that those meetings increase sales. We all love to talk about our hobby and we enjoy testing each other's pens. Having a place to sit and a table to display our treasured pens will trigger even more curiosity on other pens. And right there, there are over ten thousand pens ready for the action.

Resident artist Els Baekelandt's tools.

I do believe the social aspect of a pen show needs to be favored. If only, because it will increase the economic yield. But it seems that only in Japan this aspect is taken into consideration.

(Sailor ProGear, senior nib – Daiso red cartridge)

Bruno Taut
November 14th, 2011
[etiquetas: evento, Madrid, mercado]

Madrid Pen Shops - November 2010

This chronicle, as that devoted to pen shops in Tokyo, needs a special attention to be of any utility. The updated version can be found on this page in this blog.

Madrid was my city for many years. Now I am just another visitor. A frequent visitor if you would, but a visitor nonetheless.

I started writing with fountain pens in this city. I took probably too many notes with them during my high school and college years. And I received some pens as presents from friends and relatives. But pens were hardly the obsession they are now and I never had the need to find very specialized shops.

But now I do look for pens and getting to write a list of them was almost a necessity.


View Fountain Pens in Madrid in a larger map


Second hand shops.

Anticuario López Linares
http://lopezlinares.com/
I have not visited this shop.

Calle Conde de Aranda 6
28001 Madrid
Tel: 914 351 049

Calle Claudio Coello 60
28001 Madrid
Tel: 915 762 648


Antigüedades El Campillo.
http://www.antiguedadeselcampillo.com/
An antique shop with some pens. Irregular condition.

Calle Fernández Oviedo 8
28002 Madrid
Tel: 915 152 264


Club de Estilográficas de España
http://www.clubestilograficas.com/
High quality vintage pens. The owners are specialized in early 20th century US American pens. Good selection of inks associated to tinteros.com. New pens of the brand Romillopens. English and French spoken.
Repair service available.

Ronda de Segovia 20
28005 Madrid
Tel: 914 619 079


Gráficas Santa Cruz
http://www.gsantacruz.com/
Never visited this shop.

Calle Rafael Calvo 40
28010 Madrid
Tel: 913 082 330


Trade Art S. L. - Julia Gusano
http://www.juliagusano.com/?language=en
Nice shop with lots of vintage pens. The owner is a well known collector of Parker 51. Julia Gusano speaks English.
Repair service available

Calle Zurbano 84 - Segundo patio
28010 Madrid
Tel: 914 417 784


T & T Reparaciones

Never visited. Nominally, a repair center.

Calle Fenelón 18 Local 2B
28022 Madrid
Tel: 659 654 261
email: tonigomez1@hotmail.com



New-pen shops.

Carranza Estilográficas - Papelería Técnica Carranza
http://www.papeleria-tecnica.net/
New pens and an acceptable selection of inks. Very friendly attention. Pens are sold with a 5% discount. As of Novemeber 2010, this shop does not carry Lamy pens.

Carranza 8
28004 Madrid
Tel: 914 486 494


Estilográficas Sacristán
http://www.sacristan.com/
Very traditional shop in Madrid. Specialized in high end pens.

Calle Mayor 27
28013 Madrid
Tel: 913 633 576


Papelería Coplan

Small selection. Some new old stock pens.

Calle Marcenado 34
28002 Madrid
Tel: 914 152 687


Papelería Jomar
http://www.jomarpapeleria.com/
I have never visited this shop.

Calle General Diaz Porlier 7
28001 Madrid
Tel: 914 351 895


Papelería Manuel Martín

I have never visited this shop.

Calle Santa Engracia 60
28013 Madrid
Tel: 914 473 571


Papelería Rey
http://www.papeleriarey.com/
High end pens. Hardly any discount.

Avda. Ciudad de Barcelona 144
28007 Madrid
Tel: 914 341 099


Papelería Salazar
http://www.papeleriasalazar.es/
Good selection of pens and inks, but not much technical knowledge. Very polite and attentive service.

Calle Luchana 7-9
28010 Madrid
Tel: 914 461 848


Papelería Técnica Sancer
http://www.sancer.com/
From cheap fountain pens to high end. Some new old stock pens.

Calle Fernández de los Ríos 93
28015 Madrid
Tel: 915 496 344

Calle Fernando el Católico 77
28015 Madrid
Tel: 915 496 344


Romero Papelerías

Out of business.

(Pilot Elite Silver cap pocket pen – Sailor Red Brown)

Bruno Taut
(Madrid, November 13-16, 2010)
[labels: Madrid, mercado]

Madrid Monogatari

Para los otaku de la Myu en Madrid.

Supe de la Pilot Myu 701 una vez hube llegado a Japón. En aquel momento me interesaban las plumas, pero no constituían la obsesión que es ahora.

Esa pluma estuvo en mi bolsillo durante mucho tiempo, aunque no era mi única pluma. Tanto me gustaba –y tanto me gusta aun hoy— que en uno de mis viajes a Madrid llevé otra Myu para regalar a un viejo amigo, a Merino-san. Y creo que le gustó, porque pasados lo años todavía la usa.

La pluma llamó la atención a compañeros y paseantes. Uno de ellos, de nombre Kinno-san, decidió que necesitaba una Myu y ni corto ni perezoso compró dos en la Red a pesar de los precios fuera de toda medida de los tratantes habituales. La otra era para el cuarto mosquetero: Kendo-san.

Kinno-san y yo nos conocimos, meses más tarde, en Tokyo. Y, claro, nos fuimos a comprar plumas por esta ciudad. Recuerdo que se llevó varias Pilot M-90 en el bolsillo. En el museo de Pilot en Kyobashi, Kinno-san se quejaba de que aun sin conocerlo yo le había tocado las narices con aquella Myu que le regalé a Merino-san.

Mi siguiente paso fue un cambio de residencia a Madrid. Y allí, al abrigo de visitas a tiendas, de reuniones para probar tintas y plumas, de visitas al Pen Show de Madrid… realimentamos nuestra pasión por las plumas, no sólo por la Myu y por las plumas japonesas.

Ahora estoy de vuelta en Japón. Disfruto de la actividad estilográfica de Tokyo al tiempo que me esfuerzo por mantener el contacto con estilófilos de aquí y allá. Y aguardo con impaciencia la visita de algún miembro del grupo de otaku de la Myu de Madrid.

Las distancias, sin embargo, son muy obstinadas.

(Platinum Preppy 0.5 – Platinum Carbon Ink)

Bruno Taut
(Inagi, Junio de 2010)
[labels: Madrid, Tokyo, Pilot, estilofilia]