Conte a Paris

The history of Conté à Paris products starts from the company’s founder, Nicolas Jacques Conté. Nicolas, born in 1755, was a painter, chemist, physicist, hot air balloonist, and inventor during the course of his life of half a century. In 1794, he created the modern graphite lead from a blend of clay and graphite, making it feasible to produce various hardness levels for pencils for the first time. In 1795, he founded a pencil factory in France that allowed him to manufacture his own calligraphy and drawing supplies. During the 1920s, he produced “pencils without sleeves” (baring leads) instead of those made of "Italian stone." He worked to ensure that the colours remained fixed and unchangeable in order to satisfy the needs of the contemporary painters. Artists' pencils and pastels were then created. Over the years, Conté à Paris' expertise and breadth of ranges have allowed it to establish itself as a true reference for artists all over the world. Conté à Paris offers one of the most varied products accessible for drawing, sketching, and pastel work, used by pros, amateurs, and art students alike.

Shop our range of Conté à Paris products and take the hassle out of shopping in store when you can buy your favourite brands online.