New Skeleton Pen: Gaudi

[Deirdre]

It captures the ridged swirling benches of Gaudi Park in the star.

 

http://www.villagetravel.com/memory/aroundtheworld/P4200032.jpg

[trojan_four]

Theory = great

 

Final product = bleh.

[karmakoda]

Theory = great

 

Final product = bleh.

encremental

Posted 26 June 2010 - 10:28 AM

 

The blue transparent body is sensational, IMO, and coloured rather than clear cores is something that MB could expand on with future pens. Apart from that, then no. The stained glass thing and the dome on the cap don't seem to have anything to do with Gaudi, or even a remote connection, for me. Too regular, or (if it turns out that this is an exact replica of a bit of Gaudi glass somewhere (!) too atypical).

 

Sometimes MB really nails it with their allusions - more often than not, actually (Wilde, Mann, Proust, Pompidou,all spring to mind and especially Dostoevsky). But not here. Park this one with Dickens (and I can even sort of see that if I squint) and those horrid skeletons with flags on (my brain has thankfully blotted out the details).

 

John

 

The Spanish soul is deeply, passionately romantic, and this pen is not.

[ethernautrix]

I like the blue and the skeleton parts, but I'm not sure about the cap. I'd have to see it first.

[karmakoda]

I like the blue and the skeleton parts, but I'm not sure about the cap. I'd have to see it first.

Yes, although the pen's design references to Gaudi are tenuous, it has attractive features. The designer walks a line between honoring the namesake and marketability. The Mark Twain WE, although attractive, appears to have little to do with "America's greatest humorist", a few ripples indicating the Mississippi.

Very true though, that viewing in person puts the pens in a different light.

[Deirdre]

I like the blue and the skeleton parts, but I'm not sure about the cap. I'd have to see it first.

My objection to it is that it looks too much like a German trying to interpret Gaudi while missing what is uniquely Gaudi -- the irregularity and artful lack of symmetry. This pen tries to impose just enough order that it's a total miss.

 

While I generally like Skeletons, this one doesn't do it for me.

 

I get what they're trying to do, but they missed.

[jpl]

Theory = great

 

Final product = bleh.

+1000

Not even in their wildest dreams Deidre they come even close to emulate the benches of the Gaudi park.Take for instance when using the Casa Mila and Gaudi iron work in the façade as the base for the pen.That is a work of art.

Edited June 30, 2010 by jpl

[Deirdre]

Not even in their wildest dreams Deidre they come even close to emulate the benches of the Gaudi park.Take for instance when using the Casa Mila and Gaudi iron work in the façade as the base for the pen.That is a work of art.

Oh, I know! I just meant it looked like someone tried to simplify and make it more orderly -- and, in consequence, failed.

 

The Pelikan is a better homage, I agree with others.

 

The one design element I think works on this MB pen is the way they did the star. I mean, I always like blue demonstrators, but I really don't think they got Gaudi with this one.

[shrinknib]

I love the nib, that's for sure.

 

I just wonder why different materials, that might have reflected the feel of Barcelona and the rich colours and textures of La Casa Batllo, were not used.

If you've been there, you will know, that this pen is a non-representative interpretation by someone that did not "get" Gaudi. Sterling silver, that would "patina" over time, in a less precise and less polished design, might have come closer. Glitz is the opposite of Gaudi. No likey.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Close_up_Casa_Batlo.JPG

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Casa_batllo_roof.jpg

 

 

Agreed here- having been to Barca and an admirer of his work, I think MB maybe didn't push the envelope far enough here.

 

I still think it is beautiful, but maybe not in blue.

[Lizzie]

 

My objection to it is that it looks too much like a German trying to interpret Gaudi while missing what is uniquely Gaudi -- the irregularity and artful lack of symmetry. This pen tries to impose just enough order that it's a total miss.

 

While I generally like Skeletons, this one doesn't do it for me.

 

I get what they're trying to do, but they missed.

 

On the whole, I like this pen. I like the fact that it is colourful and I absolutely love the way they did the star. But I think you have got a point here. The design on the body is too regular.

 

However, it made me wonder, who designs these pens? Mont Blanc isn't really a German company anymore (or is it?). To really get into the Gaudi frame of mind, one would expect the designer to spend some time in Barcelona and sleep rough on the roof of the Casa Mila. This pen looks as if it was designed at a desk in corporate headquarters.

[East Bay Rider]

I'd feel very self conscious using it. It SCREAMS 'Look at me'.

[cwnidog]

While I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's ugly, because it's not, it's not really to my tastes either. I'll likely pass.

[Pentech42]

What is your opinion of this pen

 

 

I will eat a little crow.

Came across some other photos of this pen and was struck by it's beauty. Seen in the right light, it is a very pretty pen.

Photos featured here on the FPN in "What is Your Dream Pen" Post:

 

http://www.fountainp...en/page__st__45

 

 

 

I wonder which of the two photos is the real color of the enamel. I'd hope it was the darker since that is closer to the fountain in the parc

 

 

[alfarome]

it's a lovely pen but how much?

[arz]

I realize this thread is several months old, but I just saw this today at my local MB store in a more subdued display. I think that the lighting in these pictures kind of misrepresents the pen. The star at the top has the look of mother-of-pearl and the blue/silver contrast was not as shocking (although price tag certainly was...).

[mongrelnomad]

I handled this pen yesterday at a Montblanc store, and I was completely smitten. In the flesh, whilst not necessarily a true 'homage' to Gaudi, it has a beauty, delicacy and humour that does not translate to photographs.

 

I would have one in a second over any other skeleton (bar the Chaplin). Unfortunately, the $30k price tag makes that highly unlikely to happen...

[yachtsilverswan]

I like the white gold skeleton and the translucent blue barrel - though I doubt the barrel would be this radiant when the pen is filled with ink and in use.

 

I really like the mosaic star. I have not seen that used on a Montblanc before. Kudos.

Edited July 23, 2011 by yachtsilverswan

[waterman1924]

At over $40K from what I see there is no reason to have an opinion. Wayyyyyyyyy past affordable for most people...

[ChristineB]

 

Thank you MB for releasing a pen I'm not drooling over.

[Dutchpen]

looks like a cheap pen to me but i'm sure it isn't...