Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Giles English: We were founded in 1822 and originally based in London, where the brand invented the self-propelling pencil. It moved to Birmingham during World War Two, when Birmingham used to make 70% of the world's pen nibs and housed 122 pen companies. Now, Yard–O–Led is the last one remaining, making all its writing instruments by hand in its workshop based in the Jewellery Quarter. In the 1990s, the company was owned by Filofax and then passed into private hands. In 2024, myself and my brother, Nick English, purchased the business.
What is your brand best known for?
Yard–O–Led is known for its sterling silver writing instruments and for inventing the propelling pencil. The name 'Yard–O–Led' came from the fact you could fit a yard of lead into the brand's unique pencil design.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
Ultimately staying alive over all these years and continuing to trade in one way or another since 1822 – in spite of Birmingham's shrinking pen manufacturing.
Why do you love the brand?
When I first entered Yard–O–Led's workshop in Birmingham, I was blown away by the craft and skill that went into making its writing instruments. We have the oldest engine turning machines in use in the UK, which have been in operation for hundreds of years. In a world where two billion plastic pens are thrown away each year, I love that fact our pens last for ever.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
We are one of the oldest writing instruments manufactures, make the finest sterling silver pens in the world and one of the few pen companies that makes its pens by hand. Since inception, every pen has been numbered and comes with a lifetime warranty.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
My brother and I founded the watch company, Bremont, with which we participated in the inaugural year of Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow programme. Since then, I have always seen the benefits and the good that Walpole offers.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
I would love to work with almost every Walpole member. Or at least anyone who still likes to write with a pen!
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
We have just launched the 'Lucky' Pencil to commemorate Lieutenant Leslie March, who survived a bullet shot to his heart because his Deco 34 pencil that he had in his breast pocket took the full force of the bullet. The pencil had been given as a gift by his wife when they got married in 1939. Yard–O–Led has not made the Deco 34 since the thirties, but we have created a limited edition of the pencil that is identical to March's.
> Visit Yard–O–Led's member profile
