Test 01Tue 27
Nib Test
It all begins at the tip.
Find the nib that suits your hand.
02 — The Writing Lab
We’re not looking for the best pen.
We’re looking for yours.
Everyone writes differently. Some want smoothness, some like to feel the paper, some value lightness and others find self-expression in design.
At The Writing Lab, we explore the qualities that make each writing instrument unique and turn them into experiences that help you discover what suits you best.
Official sponsor
How The Writing Lab works
01 — WE ANALYSE
We explore nibs, materials, designs, filling systems, inks and weights.
02 — WE COMPARE
We look at how each feature shapes the writing experience.
03 — WE EXPERIMENT
We put instruments and materials through their paces with tests, demonstrations and experiences.
04 — WE HELP YOU CHOOSE
We pair what you’ve discovered with your own preferences to help you find your ideal fountain pen.
03 — Analysis
The tests
Six ways to explore your writing. Find out which features suit you best through short interactive experiences.
Take the test
Test 02Wed 28
Material Test
Touch writes too.
Find the material that feels like you.
Test 03Thu 29
Design Test
Your style writes too.
Find the design that says who you are.
Test 04Fri 30
Filling Test
Every pen has its ritual.
Find your filling system.
Test 05Sat 31
Ink Test
Bring colour to your words.
Find the ink that’s unmistakably you.
Test 06Sun 1
Balance Test
Weight changes the feel.
Discover your ideal pen weight.
04 — Pen Week Exclusives
Discovery is only the beginning.
Now, make it yours.
From 26 October to 1 November, make the most of our special Pen Week offers and find new reasons to enjoy writing.
05 — Iguana Personal Advisor
Your formula is personal.
So is our advice.
The Writing Lab tests are the starting point for discovering your preferences. But choosing a fountain pen also means finding the one that suits your hand, your writing and the way you like to use it.
Thinking of buying a fountain pen?
Our team of specialists can help you choose, with your needs, preferences and budget in mind.
ONLINE · BY APPOINTMENT
Speak to a specialist
Book an appointment with our team for personalised advice.
Book an appointment06 — Iguana Magazine
Knowledge is part of the experience too.
Iguana Magazine, from The Writing Lab.
Stories, comparisons, tips and little-known facts from the world of writing, to help you understand each instrument better and appreciate what makes it unique all the more.
Explore Iguana Magazine1 / 06
Iguana × EsterbrookInside Esterbrook: a conversation about the past, the decisions behind the scenes and the future of writingRead the full article
Special experience · GraphologyGraphology: what does your handwriting say about you? Find out at Pen Week 2026Read the full article
Brands · ViscontiVisconti: when innovation becomes a writing experienceRead the full article
Brands · Caran d’AcheCaran d’Ache: Swiss precision meets the art of writingRead the full article
Brands · Graf von Faber-CastellGraf von Faber-Castell: when every detail transforms the act of writingRead the full article
Brands · ScriboScribo: the art of writing begins with feelingRead the full article
07 — The Writing Lab · Special experience
Your handwriting says a lot about you.
Because everyone’s handwriting is as unique as they are.
At The Writing Lab we explore writing instruments, but there’s something that makes them truly personal: the way you write.
Graphology invites us to look at the strokes, slant and size of our letters and explore what they might suggest about our personality.
Graphology offers interpretations for guidance only, not scientifically validated personality assessments.
The brands of The Writing Lab
A selection of houses that share our passion for writing and join us for this week of discovery and experimentation.
Official Partner
Participating Brands · Pen Week 2026
