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Our Story
The culmination of five generations in the pen industry
Our rich history spans five generations - each generation is depicted by a diamond shape on the pen design and in our Tom Hessin branding. Read on to find out how each generation shaped who we are today.
Where it all began
It all began back in 1870, amongst the bustling streets of Birmingham at the peak of industrial trade. Known as the pen capital of the world, this was the birthplace of our brand. Andrew Charles, an already established business man, opened his pen company named after his new-born son, Tom Hessin Charles.
tom hessin is born
As time wore on, the business went from strength to strength, with Tom himself stepping up to take the reigns. T. Hessin & Co became known for high quality design and beautifully drawn packaging. The headquarters on Broad Street was at the heart of the pen industry.
the war
The business later passed on to Tom’s son, Arthur Charles. During the war, in 1938, the company ceased trading as Arthur joined the Royal Warwickshires.
a new generation
Sometime later, Arthur passed the business down to his daughter Malissa Stockbridge (neé Charles) and her husband Nicolas Stockbridge.
a new era
Today, their son Charlie Stockbridge is at the helm, guiding us forth into a new era of penmanship. The launch of Tom Hessin is a love letter to our heritage, symbolizing the culmination of our knowledge, work and passion over five generations.
