Pencil

Invention of the Pencil

By cmh1003
  • Graphite deposits found in Borrowdale
    Jan 1, 1500

    Graphite deposits found in Borrowdale

  • Period: Jan 1, 1500 to

    Pencil

  • Grphite is no longer unique

    Unable to get graphite from England because of the war, Conté in Paris produces artificial graphite. Borrowdale Graphite is no longer unique.
  • Pencil making machine

    Pencil making machine

    William Monroe in US invented a machine capable of making groves in wooden slats for making pencils.

  • Factory is taken over

    Greenwood family take over the pencil factory as payment for a bad debt.
  • Cumberland Pencil Co.

    Cumberland Pencil Co.

    Name of the company is changed to Cumberland Pencil Co.

  • British Pens Ltd.

    Company taken over by British Pens Ltd & start building the current factory.

  • Pencil making factories

    Four factories recorded in Keswick.

  • Heavy metals in pencils

    DES memo 2/65 set out limitations on use of heavy metals in pencils supplied to schools.

  • Safety regulations

    Pencil & Graphic Instruments Safety regulations - safety limit set on use of heavy metals in all pencils.

  • Cumberland Graphics

    Taken over by Twinlock and renamed Cumberland Graphics

  • REXEL

    Taken over by Rexel.
    Development of Graphic & Studio ranges.

  • American Brands

    Rexel taken over by American Brands.
    Cumberland Pencil Museum opens.
  • Stetching and Drawing pencils

    Stetching and Drawing pencils

    Developed Derwent Sketching & Drawing pencils
  • Derwent Pastel Pencils

    Derwent Pastel Pencils

    New softer Derwent Pastel Pencils are launched