The Pen Factory

In 1919, with Italy still enduring the aftermath of World War I, a wealthy cloth merchant named Isaia Levi founded Italy’s first cartridge pen factory at Via della Basilica No. 9. In 1943, the original workshop was destroyed by Allied bombs, and so the factory was forced to relocate to another building, which stands close to the Abbey of Stura near the cloisters and church of the same name, where the firm is still based. In the 1960s, the business was taken over by the Verona family, who still run the factory today.

Since the company was established, it has worked with internationally-acclaimed artists and designers including Nizzoli, Steiner, Zanuso, Giugiaro and Bodino.

Aurora fountain pens have become a household name in Italy, and many Italians remember learning to write with an Aurora pen, often the iconic Auretta. But Aurora has also become part of the history of design, thanks to cutting-edge models that have made the company one of Italy’s best-loved brands, such as the famous “88” or the “Hastil”, which was designed by Marco Zanuso and is on display at MOMA in New York.

By taking a tour of the factory, you can see for yourself exactly what goes into producing a fountain pen. Make your visit to Officina della Scrittura an unforgettable experience!
Find out more at www.aurorapen.it