Silvine Stationary

Whether you are studying for exams, starting an art project or running a business, affordable quality stationary is very important. Silvine are a long standing British company originally trademarked in the early 1900s. To this day they are still producing high quality products from their factory in West Yorkshire. Take a look at this review to see why we think Silvine should be your go to stationer.

A brief History

Starting out in 1837 founder William Sinclair sets up a printing company making ledgers and pocket books in Wetherby. Fast-forwarding to 1902 after a relocation to Otley and with the introduction of increased train travel thus improving distribution, the famous Silvine 'laurel wreath' logo appears and the trademark is established. Silvine expands and continues to produce quality products through both world wars and then introduces the familiar red exercise book/refill pads in the 1960s.

40 years later the 2000s usher in a new era of innovation and the laurel wreath logo is replaced with a slick modern logo which is featured on most of the currently available products. There has however been a resurgence of the much loved classics under the banner of 'Silvine originals', this collection celebrates the design and quality that made the classic notebooks and exercise books so popular.

Key features

• British made

Silvine manufacture 99% of their products in their factory in the ancient market town of Otley, West Yorkshire. From my communication with the Silvine this will soon be at 100% which is seriously impressive. Materials are sourced from the famous James Cropper mill in Kendal, Cumbria. This mill has been supplying British businesses since 1845 and is certainly a fitting partner for Silvine. It's great to see British manufacturing and at an affordable price point.

• Iconic design and logo

As mentioned above, Silvine has survived and flourished through the hardship of two world wars and their history stretches back six generations. The more recent 'Silvine Originals' collection has reintroduced the familiar bright red design style alongside the more contemporary range launched in 2008.

• High quality paper and binding

I have been using Silvine products for many years, in particular the executive notebooks and refill pads. The paper quality is excellent, the paper weight for the products I have is 80-90GSM which is great for making notes, its noticeably thicker than some cheaper brands I have used and I find that there is very little bleed through when using ballpoint pens. The Binding of the notebooks is well constructed and the executive notebooks have a small card pocket in the back which I find really useful to store spare post-it notes etc.

• Environmental/Ethical responsibility

Silvine is committed to sourcing recycled and/or properly managed materials certified by the forest stewardship council (FSC). The mission of the FSC is to 'promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests'. Furthermore sources are chosen from locations where workers civil rights have not been violated. With the current state of excess waste and pollution in our world. Silvine are taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, sustain our forests and care for the rights of workers.

Range of products

Silvine offer a large range of stationary, from pocket notebooks to antibacterial refill and Legal/Accounting pads. There should be something for everyone no matter your line of work. Take a look at their 55 page online catalogue if you are looking for something specific.

Quality and value for money

The main focus of TQP is to assess value for money, while considering everything mentioned above I can say that the quality of all products I have used from Silvine has been brilliant. From the paper weight to binding and longevity, I have had no issues with anything. From my own perspective as well as looking at others reviews online, I can tell that people are extremely happy with the quality they receive, which is only amplified with the knowledge that materials are sourced responsibly and made in the UK.

Where to buy ?

The following outlets are recommended;

• The Range
• Ryman
• Amazon
• B&M
• The Works