A five generation family business
We have a unique history we're proud of here at Manuscript, let us take you on journey to where it all began.
Where we began
The Birmingham pen trade was booming at the peak of Industrial Revolution. Within what's now known as the Jewellery Quarter, D.Leonardt & Co opened their doors for the first time. Many women were employed as hand press operators, while men were given roles as toolmakers and process operators. After merging with the inventive genius Hezekiah Hewitt, the company saw success in the form of the "Eureka" ball pointed pen, and a royal appointment to the Kings & Queens of Spain and Portugal.
The Charles family
The family lineage enters the picture at this time, with the establishment of T.Hessin & Co, a pen & stationery manufacturer. Established by Andrew Charles, and named after his newborn son Thomas Hessin Charles. In time, the business grew and expanded with the purchase of numerous pen companies, and moved to a large premises on the famous Broad Street in Birmingham.
A move to the country
In 1930, A.A.S Charles joins the business, running it until World War Two brings the country to a standstill. He joins the cause to fight for King & Country. Upon his return in 1947, he starts a fresh page, moving the business into a disused fire station in the village of Highley, Shropshire under the name Highley Pen Company. Shortly after, he takes D.Leonardt & Co under the umbrella of Highley Pens too.
Evolution
A.A.S Charles passes the torch to his daughter Malissa, and her husband Nick Stockbridge. At this time they notice a gap in the market for school supplies, and introduce automated tooling to produce the popular "butterfly" nibs for handwriting, along with pen clips. In 1989, Manuscript Pen Company as we know it is born, providing an extended range of calligraphy, stationery, and school supplies.
A new generation
Malissa & Nick's son, Charles Stockbridge, takes the helm at Manuscript Pen Co as the fifth generation in the family pen business. Keen to expand, not only did Charlie expand the distribution to over forty countries worldwide, but also took over the distribution of many well known industry stationery brands too. Passionate about the Manuscript name, he continues to expand the product range today, bringing new and exciting calligraphy, craft, and stationery items to the market each year.
Manuscript Pen Co
Manuscript House
Netherton Lane
Highley
Shropshire
WV16 6BF
