Description

Retro 51 Smithsonian Hummingbird Rollerball Pen.

The Smithsonian is a retractable rollerball featuring a lacquer-coated steel barrel in a range of designs inspired by the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum.
There is a knurled metal twist-action button at the end, to extend the tip, and a slotted metal pocket clip. It’s supplied in a themed cylinder which doubles as a pen stand as well as a protective case.
Woodland Hummingbird and Flowers is a limited edition celebrating the indigenous peoples of America. The design is by Dr Shirley Brauker, whose ‘carved cut-out’ approach has resulted in her design being acid-etched onto the barrel and then plated in stone-washed copper. The individual serial number is inscribed on the top ring.
Dr Brauker is a lifelong artist. She began working with drawing and painting and then moved into clay and bronze work. She uses personal experiences and her Little River Band of Ottawa culture to draw from and then carves stories into pots. Her “carved cut-out” approach, inspired by a dream, has become her trademark. She strives to combine the artwork and legends of the past with contemporary materials of the present, keeping story-telling traditions alive. Dr Brauker’s Moon Bear Pottery is dedicated to the preservation of Woodland art. Brauker attended Central Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Arts, and a PhD. She also earned an Associate’s Degree from Mid-Michigan Community College. She also attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr Brauker’s “carved cut-out” approach and mission to preserve Woodland art inspired Retro 51 Tornado’s Woodland Hummingbird and Flowers.
When you visit the Smithsonian, you’re entering the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with approximately 154 million artefacts and specimens in its trust for the American people. The Museums are dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the world through its unparalleled collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. Retro 51 is proud to produce officially licensed writing instruments inspired by the Smithsonian collection.
Refill with either a liquid ink or ballpoint refill however, the Rollerball Refill write like a dream.

Introducing the latest addition to the Officially Licensed Smithsonian Collection: Bijutsukai.

This exquisite Tornado™ Rollerball pen draws its inspiration from the rich artistic heritage of the Shin-Bijutsukai magazine, which graced the pages from 1901 to 1906 within the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives.
Originating from the intricate Japanese pattern books of the 1660s, the magazine’s vibrant and abstract designs encapsulated the historical and technological evolution of Japanese society, influenced by the captivating allure of Art Nouveau and Japonisme. Shin-Bijutsukai emerged as a trailblazing icon in the realm of Japanese art and design during the early 20th century, blending timeless motifs with avant-garde influences.
The captivating abstract artwork from this iconic magazine has been faithfully reproduced onto the pen’s textured lacquer barrel, adorned in soothing pastel hues complemented by stonewashed pewter accents. Each pen is meticulously numbered on the top ring and adorned with the iconic Smithsonian sun logo, adding a touch of prestige to every stroke.
Step into the Smithsonian, a sprawling hub housing the world’s largest repository of cultural treasures and knowledge. With a staggering array of approximately 154 million artefacts and specimens under its stewardship for the American people, it stands as an unparalleled museum, education, and research complex.
The Museums within this institution are dedicated to igniting curiosity, fostering discovery, and facilitating learning about the world through their exceptional collections, dynamic exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives. Retro 51 takes great pride in crafting officially licensed writing instruments that draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Smithsonian collection.
Elegantly presented in a commemorative tube, the Smithsonian Bijutsukai pen is a true masterpiece that beckons to be held and admired as you craft your thoughts onto paper.