Behold the Crayon Prismalo Orange a vibrant testament to Geneva’s artistic spirit. Since 2019, this artwork has added a splash of color to the city. But do you know the story behind the name Caran d’Ache?
The tale begins in 1915. A group of entrepreneurs in Geneva founded Fabrique Genevoise de Crayons. In 1924, Arnold Schweitzer took over. He renamed it Caran d’Ache. Schweitzer admired the French cartoonist Emmanuel Poiré. Poiré signed his drawings Caran d’Ache. This was a French take on karandash. Karandash is the Russian word for pencil. It comes from the Turkic root kara tash. This refers to graphite’s origins.
Caran d’Ache aimed to explore many colors and writing tools. They wanted instruments that acted as an extension of the hand. The goal was to create harmony in every line. They experimented with techniques. They revealed subtle nuances. Caran d’Ache is now one of the few companies offering such a large range of products for design and writing.
The Crayon Prismalo Orange is a tribute to Caran d’Ache’s Prismalo pencils. These water-soluble pencils launched in 1931. They were the first of their kind. The company combines technical skill with design. They use original materials and superb design. Each creation adds refinement to drawing or writing.
Caran d’Ache creations have original materials and technology. This is thanks to two R and D departments. One focuses on colors. The other focuses on writing. They have many patents. Fixpencil and Neocolor are examples. These revolutionized writing and drawing. The company mixes craftsmanship and tech. This is key for high-quality manufacturing.
Powerful pigments create shimmering colors. Caran d’Ache masters this. They bring inspiration to the blank page. Their range has 300 shades. It requires control of all production stages.
From purple to coral, the colors flourish. Pencil leads, felt tips, pastels, gouaches, and inks offer brilliance. They also have excellent light fastness. Since 1915, Caran d’Ache has inspired creative freedom.
The quality of Caran d’Ache products is clear. They show sustainable development at each production stage. The company culture also reflects this. All pencils are certified FSC or PEFC. This guarantees wood from protected forests. Caran d’Ache uses water-based varnish. This cuts solvent use. They draw inspiration from tech. They preserve manual skills. The company protects our environment.
Caran d’Ache supports young talent. They also support cultural institutions. They back education in less favored countries. They are involved in Cartooning for Peace. They sponsor Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic.
Caran d’Ache values its people. Shared ethics and lasting partnerships are key. Close links to the environment are also vital. Loyalty is fundamental to their development.
Visiting the Caran d’Ache factory is like stepping back into a school classroom. The scent of wax crayons and cedar wood fills the air. The passion for design details is clear. The weight of an ink refill matters. The hexagonal shape of the 849 ballpoint pen stops it from rolling.
So, as you stand before the Crayon Prismalo Orange remember Caran d’Ache’s dedication. They are dedicated to quality, innovation, and the art of expression. This vibrant crayon symbolizes a century of Swiss excellence.