People of Madras
Ep. 11
Pratap Kumar
Published on February 11, 2023
Armed with a radiant smile and his fountain pen, Pratap Kumar of ‘Gem and Co’ has a wealth of stylographic knowledge — a deep interest in the functioning and fine writing of a fountain pen. You may find the neon PENS shouting out to you on the busy NSC Bose Road, where the shop is situated.
Co-founded by friends, Mr M.C. Cunnan and Mr M. Venkat Rangam Chetty, in the late 1920s, three generations have fondly manned this shop, maintaining the standard for fountain pens.
The shop is often found crowded with pen patrons and craft aficionados alike, who, along with Mr Kumar, are keen to discuss the lost craft of penmaking, for indeed, it is a craft. “There’s much to be learnt about pens, for there’s a wide variety serving different purposes and users; they range from ballpoint and gel to refillable ink and our speciality, Gama fountain pens.”
One particular pen of interest, being enquired about by a patron, was a filigree fountain pen model. A trademark of the store, it requires skilled silversmiths to twist and knit the metal into a lace-like pattern to wrap around the pen. “I only have one master craftsman and one assistant now, no longer able to produce them in the capacity we once could, he adds dejectedly. He also engages in the restoration of old pens and holds the knowledge to fit all the minute mechanisms together to make the ink flow.
The shine of the fountain pen has dulled for its much cheaper cousin now, and Amazon is flooded with Gama knock-offs sold at a pittance. “We were not trained to trick and don’t have the manpower to retail online, to compete with them. We have done this for generations and will continue in the same way for years to come''.
Many are hesitant now to pay the expensive price tag, with cheap being easier to replace. But, it certainly is incomparable to the smooth-flowing, vibrant-inked, weighty fountain pen. His list of pros outweighs the cons; they are durable, long-lasting (for a period of 2 years or so), economical, eco-friendly and a sure writing companion.
If you wish to purchase an heirloom gold dip pen or a handcrafted filigree, seek out this Gem of George Town.
#peopleofmadras
🖋 Muna Buhari
