Simon Webb, is well-known as a maker of beautiful hand-turned writing implements that tell stories. He’s crafted pens from woods that include church pews, Isaac Newton’s apple tree, the mulberry tree at the Richard Jefferies museum, HMS Victory and more.
But it’s arguable that his drumstick pens beat it all.
Visit Simon’s website to find our more:
https://www.simon-webb.co.uk
Beat Out That Rhythm on a Drum
In 2019, Simon had the great good fortune to get an invite to a charity event at Middlewick House – erstwhile home of Camilla Parker-Bowles – and now the home of Nick Mason of Pink Floyd fame.
Selling his fine pens at the charity event, Simon sold one to Nick himself. An email exchange followed as Nick needed a fine nib fitting to his pen. A service Simon happily provided.
Said Simon: ‘During our email conservation I offered to make something for his charity auction – perhaps from one his drumsticks.
At length, to my great delight, I received a pair of his drumsticks signed by the man himself.’
Nick holds the charity event every year.
He puts his car collection on show and raises money for Wilts Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.
‘I’ve been working this project and am now proud to reveal the result’ added Simon. ‘I’ve made a rhodium and gold fountain pen and included the signed section of the drumstick in the presentation box with the pen.’
It’s been a real thrill to do this and Nick has said he’s happy for me to use whatever is left of the wood for what I want. So I’m planning some cufflinks.
They’ll be available from me soon, complete with a certificate of authentication. See picture below showing a prototype where the hickory wood of the drumstick is surrounded by ebony in a sterling silver setting.
An anecdote
Said Simon: I’d heard Nick on the radio early before I set up at the event. The presenter asked if he did any gardening. He replied that it was a standing joke that he was a ‘zero hours’ gardener.
So when my stand caught his eye and he wandered over to me, I shook hands with him and said it was great to meet another zero hours gardener.’
As his 2020 charity event had to be cancelled due to coronavirus, we’ve decided to hold on to the pen until next year’s event which Nick is determined will be bigger and better than ever.
That’s such a shame about the cancellation for 2020. But yes, I’m sure it will be bigger and better next year. It’s a fabulous story Simon.