Reading and writing are the foundations of our culture and society and are things that should be accessible to everyone. Despite this, millions of people through the world, in particular children, are not able to write. Montblanc has teamed up with UNICEF to dedicate itself to this major problem in a joint campaign “Sign up for the right to write”. In a worldwide initiative, international celebrities from politics, business, arts, culture and sports will be committing themselves to fight against illiteracy.
As part of this project, three internationally recognized designers have designed highly collectable artworks in a Limited Edition of 4810 pieces, each for the MB 149. The three are celebrated American artist Tom Sachs, prominent French interior designer Andrée Putman, and internationally renowned German-American architect Helmut Jahn. Using their distinctive design languages, they have come up with three very personal creations, which redefine packaging as a work of art in its own right.
The Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen comes in a clear acrylic case specially designed by architect Helmut Jahn.
Helmut Jahn – a German-American architect (1940-2021) widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential architects of our time, emigrated to Chicago in 1967, from where he operates his practice. His work evolves from the purist principles of Mies van der Rohe progressing along advanced technological lines in the creation of his modern artefacts. He applies the balanced synthesis of function, technology and aesthetics to glass structures in his quest to achieve the ultimate expression of transparency.
Helmut Jahn Limited Edition / Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen
For the Meisterstück 149, Helmut Jahn and his London Studio Jahn Lykouria Design have created a case of solid acrylic screen printed with an original manuscript by Wolfgang von Goethe held in Montblanc archives, thereby highlighting the link between hand, pen and mind in achieving literacy.
Visually, the packaging is a sensation, you just have to look at the packaging from all sides; depending on how you turn the box, the light refracts differently. The clear acrylic presentation case features a stunning design, where both the pen and ink are housed.
The Helmut Jahn Special Edition was released in 2004 in a Limited Edition of 4810 pieces, in support of UNICEF’s “Right to write” program.