Sometimes we forget that the figure of the patrons, which has been, and is, one of the most important. Without them, artists would not have been able to start their careers. Now, Montblanc pays a tribute to two very important ones; Victoria and Alberto
The luxury writing and stationery house Montblanc has created a limited edition collection of writing instruments. This collection pays tribute to the cultural and artistic patronage of the British monarch Victoria and her consort Albert;
Victoria was monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and empress of India, along with Albert, the prince consort of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. They both ruled an extremely important empire, but they did something more: they ruled an era. They ushered in a new era and vision of technology, economic power and, a very important one, cultural power. One of the highlights of the period of his reign was the Great Exhibition of 1851, which took place at the Crystal Palace in London. The Victorian and Albert Museum and the famous Royal Albert Hall concert hall were also important.
Every year since 1992, Montblanc has created a unique and necessary project. Many times, we forget, or do not give enough importance, to what the patrons. From antiquity to the present day, they have helped artists of all kinds. Their contributions have been, and are, essential in the world of art, from painting, literature and music to architecture. So the brand has dedicated a limited edition of writing instruments to patrons of art from antiquity to the 20th century. All limited editions illustrate Montblanc’s conviction and values, as a Maison founded on the culture of this art, writing, that arts and culture are essential in any prosperous society.
A Montblanc project highlighting the role of the patron of the arts
For its 30th anniversary and final edition (1992-2022), the brand celebrates the history and lives of monarchs Victoria and Albert with a special edition dedicated to the royal couple. This Montblanc Minute Pieces Homage to Victoria and Albertcollection, a limited and very special edition, consists of two editions 4810 and two more 888s. And a few more EL 100s and one EL 8, which pay homage to both.
The editions created incorporate famous and unique symbols such as Victoria’s crown and sceptre and some of Albert’s cultural achievements. Their unconditional love has also found a place in the collection, embodied in the intertwined initials V&A and the engagement ring worn by Victoria.
Model Limited Edition, 4810
This Victorian item features a translucent mint green lacquer cap. The Victorian decorative motif under the lacquer cap is inspired by the gate surrounding the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, London. The cap itself is decorated with a small electric blue crown and the famous Montblanc emblem in precious resin. The phrase I will be good – can be seen on the cap ring. The shape of the clip is inspired by Victoria’s sceptre and is adorned with a green stone, a reference to the engagement ring given to her by Albert. The solid 18-karat gold nib is handmade and coated in champagne-toned gold. It is decorated with a stylised rose in honour of Queen Victoria, who is still remembered today as “the Rose of England”.
Model 4810 Victoria
The second edition of the 418 model, dedicated to Albert, has a translucent vermilion colour on the cap that evokes the colours of the British uniform he wore at his wedding. The step decoration visible underneath recalls the original neo-Gothic step pediment of Albert’s childhood home, Schloss Rosenau Castle. The shape of the cap is inspired by the dome of the Crystal Palace, while the ring is engraved with the motto Treu und fest – Loyal and steadfast-, accompanied by the prince’s coat of arms. The coat of arms of Saxony has been included in the centre of Albert’s royal coat of arms, which is engraved on the solid gold nib coated in champagne-coloured gold.
Model 4810 Alberto
Limited Edition Model, 888
Victoria’s version of the Limited Edition 888 commemorates her ascension to the throne with a cap and barrel made of translucent red lacquer, a colour inspired by her coronation dress. The champagne-coloured 18-karat solid gold cap features the Queen’s monogram, as well as elements of the necklace and coronation gown representing her three great kingdoms. The pen is adorned with an electric blue crown and features a handmade solid gold nib, which is decorated with an English rose. The sceptre-shaped clip is set with a red garnet, a nod to Victoria’s engagement ring.
Model 888 Victoria
The second version, dedicated to Albert, pays tribute to some of his achievements as a prince: the cap and barrel with a champagne-toned 18-carat solid gold coating celebrate the architecture of the Crystal Palace, while the translucent grey lacquer underneath is a tribute to the tartan that Albert designed for Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The shape of the top of the cap is inspired by the dome of the Crystal Palace, while the hand-crafted solid gold nib, partially encircled and partially coated in champagne-toned gold, is decorated with the coat of arms of Saxony;
On both versions, the cap rings are engraved with their respective names and wedding date. And the cone is enhanced with a traditional Victorian motif and the initials V&A..
Model 888 Alberto
Limited Edition Model 100
Next, collection 100, is dedicated to the romantic love of Victoria and Alberto and, of course, to their passion for the arts. The mother-of-pearl barrel is combined with champagne-toned 18-carat solid gold details that recall the colours of Victoria’s wedding dress. The nine lines on the cone are a reference to her nine children and the importance of family to the Queen and her consort. On the other hand, the engraved motif around the cone is a traditional design found in the bedroom of Kensington Palace, where Princess Victoria grew up. The engraved phrase “Unis à jamais” (United forever) is a reference to the ring her half-sister gave Victoria at her wedding, while the bracelet given to her by her mother when the engagement was announced was the inspiration behind the heart-shaped amethysts.
Model Le 100
The solid gold nib coated in champagne-toned gold is engraved with a pansy, a flower representing romantic thoughts. The German phrase Theuerste innings geliebte Victoria – Dearest Victoria whom I love deeply –, which Albert dedicated in a letter to Victoria to express his love on the day of their engagement, decorates the front in the form of an engraving. For Prince Albert had an extraordinary talent for designing jewellery for his wife and knew that she would regard it as a symbol of his eternal devotion.
Limited Edition Model 8
The Limited Edition 8 is perfect for closing the circle. It celebrates the love between Victoria and Albert. And it recalls the mourning that overshadowed the last years of the Queen’s life after the loss of her beloved. The cap is made of black onyx with a solid white gold inlay. A medallion with the monogram “VRI” (Victoria Regina Imperatrix) with a black lacquer border. A hand-engraving with the phrase “In Erinnerung an Albert” (In memory of Albert) is revealed. The solid white gold barrel is masterfully adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. And it is combined with two black onyx inlays. The engraving on the cone reads “Queen of an Empire on which the sun never sets”. It is surrounded by a motif that pays tribute to a design found in the bedroom of Kensington Palace, where Princess Victoria grew up.
Model Le 8
Moreover, in the Victorian era the language of flowers was not only a popular pastime, but an important symbol for this royal couple. The solid gold nib is engraved with a pansy flower, representing romantic thoughts. The rhodium-plated 18-karat solid white-gold front is engraved with a handmade engraving of a world map. It depicts the British Empire in Victoria’s time. The small crown, an emblem of Queen Victoria, which was placed on top of her coffin. It is recreated in black lacquer on the top of the cap and decorated with the Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl. As a tribute to her long reign, the removable cap ring is engraved with the dates of her regency: 20 June 1837-22 January 1901.
