It’s National Stationery week this week, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing our favourite stationery shops from Belfast to Brighton. Nona takes you through seven superb, independent stationery shops and some of her top picks to find in each one.
Monday: All Things Analogue, Eastbourne
Take a trip to the seaside! Visit All Things Analogue’s bright and light shop at their new Grove Road premises. You can find an impressive selection of Traveller’s Notebooks alongside slim ballpoint pens, reusable coffee mugs, and backpacks for the journaling traveller with a slight caffeine addiction.
Tuesday: Pencil Me In, Elgin
A pretty impressive array of pencils adorns this Scottish gem. Pencil Me In make a whole range of pencil sets with tongue-in-cheek phrases, including ‘Pencil McPencilface’ and, of course, a bright orange, Irn Bru themed selection of pencils. It’s not just about lead and wood based items, you’ll also find some exquisite prints from British makers too.
Wednesday: Present and Correct, London
As the name suggests, Present and Correct are here for all your organisational needs, from folders and labels to desk tidies to vintage erasers. There are even rubber stamps in the shape of weekly planners and calendars, to add structure to your notebooks. Located in lovely Islington, there’s plenty of cafes and pubs around to spend the afternoon making plans in.
Thursday: Hunter Paper Co., Belfast
Having only opened their shop last year, Hunter Paper Co. is the new stationery shop on the block. Keeping the old techniques of Letterpress-printing alive with cards and wall art designed by their founder. Not only do they stock a carefully curated selection of stationery, but you can also find delightful gifts for the home like UK-made, soy-wax candles. Delicious!
Friday: Papersmiths, Chelsea / King’s Cross / Brighton
With two shops (one in Brighton, one in London) and a concession stand in King’s Cross, you’re spoilt for choice in terms of aesthetic, with each location having a distinct personality. Papersmiths stock a fantastic collection of their own tote bags - alongside pens, pencils and books - with a very important reminder that it’s ‘Always Stationery, Never Stationary’.
Saturday: Meticulous Ink, Bath
Catch one of our Copperplate Calligraphy or Brush Lettering Workshops on a Saturday morning and browse our tiny shop to your heart’s content. Full of our greetings cards, prints, letterheads and correspondence cards which are letterpress-printed in-house on our 1960s Heidelberg windmill printing presses, you’ll also find an array of colourful calligraphy and fountain pen inks. We are always happy to chat about bespoke print jobs or stationery, and if you miss out on a workshop, you can always pick up one of our kits to try at home.
Sunday: Choosing Keeping, London
With a striking selection of printed gift wrap and Japanese art supplies, Choosing Keeping is certainly a destination for anyone on the hunt for high-quality materials. Located on Columbia Road in London, visiting on a Sunday allows you the opportunity to indulge in Columbia Road’s flower market and take home a beautiful bouquet, as well as a new pen or two.
Now, we know we haven't been able to cover all the amazing independent stationery shops in the UK, but visiting all seven should sate your stationery needs.