From Marking Tools to Artistic Media: The Evolution of Colored Pencils

The history of colored pencils is rich and deeply intertwined with the evolution of art and writing instruments. Nuremberg, Germany, holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the first mass-produced pencils in 1662, laying the groundwork for future innovations. Colored pencils, as we know them, began their journey in 1835, emerging as a sideline of the graphite pencil industry. Initially, these colored pencils were primarily used for "checking and marking" purposes.

In 1834, Johann Sebastian Staedtler, the owner of the German company Staedtler, invented the colored oil pastel pencil, marking a significant milestone in the history of colored pencils. By the early 20th century, a moderate range of 15-20 colors was manufactured in both America and Europe. However, these early pencils were not as highly pigmented or wax-rich as modern varieties and were not yet marketed for artistic use.

The journey of the colored pencil actually began even earlier, in 1761, when Kasper Faber's small factory in Germany started producing color pencils. This humble enterprise would eventually evolve into the globally renowned Faber-Castell company. By 1924, the colored pencil industry had significantly advanced, with A.W. Faber offering over 60 colors for artistic use. That same year, Caran d’Ache, a leading manufacturer of artists’ colored pencils, was founded in Switzerland, followed by Schwann Stabilo in Germany in 1925.

The migration of European pencils to North America began with the first settlers, continuing until the late 18th century. After the American Revolution, the demand for locally manufactured pencils grew, leading to the first American wooden pencils being produced by William Munroe, a cabinet maker from Massachusetts, in 1812.

In 1938, the American company Berol introduced Prismacolors, known for their velvety texture and wide range of laboratory-tested colors, revolutionizing the colored pencil market. Other notable manufacturers from the late 1930s and early 1940s included Derwent, Progresso, Lyra Rembrandt, and Blick Studio.

Today, artists have an extensive selection of colored pencils at their disposal, available in both water-soluble and organic-soluble varieties. The industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings, offering tools that cater to both professional artists and hobbyists, with vibrant pigments and versatile applications. The evolution of colored pencils reflects not only advancements in manufacturing but also the growing appreciation for this medium in the art world.
From Marking Tools to Artistic Media: The Evolution of Colored Pencils