Blackwing Volumes Collection
Each quarter, Blackwing creates and releases a special limited-edition pencil that celebrates people, places, and events that defines their creative culture. Their Volumes collections range from celebrating John Steinbeck’s realistic and imaginative writings, to Ada Lovelace’s work on the Analytical Engine.
We are always so excited to welcome new releases of the Volumes collection into our shop – taking special care to learn about and celebrate each moment with the community of devoted Blackwing lovers. Here are the Volume collections we currently have in our shop:
Volume 6 – Georges Claude
In 1912, French engineer Georges Claude installed the world’s first neon sign above a barbershop in Paris. His vibrant, tubular lights soon adorned the storefronts of small businesses around the world and symbolized the entrepreneurial drive that formed the backbone of their communities. Today, the spirit of “Main Street” is more resilient than ever. It can be found in urban cities and rural towns, bookstores and coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s one of the many things that make our homes feel special. And it’s worth preserving.
The Blackwing 6 celebrates independent businesses and their entrepreneurial spirit. Each set comes with six neon red and six neon blue pencils inspired by the iconic neon “Open” sign. Each pencil features a black ferrule, black imprint, and our soft graphite. The number 6 is a nod to the six Noble Gases which give neon lights their distinct colors. This release supports the Small Business Relief Fund as they work to help small businesses keep their lights on.
Volume 651 – Bruce Lee
International movie star and acclaimed martial artist, Bruce Lee, was a philosopher and believed in honesty in all actions and championed a freedom of expression that had never been seen in the world of martial arts. His pocketbooks contained everything from dance routines, to uplifting self-affirmations and deep life-shaping wisdoms. While his oeuvre is filled with classic films, his crowning achievement may have been his art known as Jeet Kune Do.
The Blackwing 651 is a tribute to the legendary Bruce Lee. Each pencil features a black and yellow striped design and number 651. The number 651 is derived from 651 S. Weller Street in Seattle, where Bruce Lee opened his first formal school.
Volume 93 – Corita Kent
Corita Kent was an educator, artist, and social justice advocate who believed that art could be a tool for dialogue, reflection, and change. While chair of the Art Department at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, she encouraged her students to slow down and see the world with a fresh perspective. Using a paper viewfinder to mimic a camera viewfinder, her students selected, isolated, and examined details of the world around them.
The Blackwing 93 is a tribute to Corita Kent and her message to slow down and find gratitude in everyday life. Each pencil features one of the six colourful brush strokes that make up Corita's iconic "rainbow swash".
Volume 42 – Jackie Robinson
In 1944, 2nd Lieutenant Jack Roosevelt Robinson ignited the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus. His refusal earned him a court martial for "behaving with disrespect" and "willful disobedience of lawful command". Lieutenant Robinson stood his ground and was acquitted all charges.
Lieutenant Robinson or "Jackie" Robinson went on to play Major League baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs. He broke the colour barrier and contributed to the desegregation of baseball.
The Blackwing 42 is a tribute to Jackie Robinson. It features our balanced graphite, white barrel, blue imprint and eraser, road gray ferrule, and iconic red 42. The number 42 not only honors Jackie’s achievements, it celebrates those who pursue their passions, creative or otherwise, regardless of the obstacles in their way.