A stationary staple, the humble pencil is perhaps ‘old fashioned’ and no longer the first desktop tool you’d reach for. However, inspired by our fixation with hi-tech gadgetry, Sheffield-based design agency Lyon & Lyon have created the Six Mile Pencil, a low tech tool that measures how far you've drawn by using a mile ruler printed on the body.
Twin duo Matt and Ben Lyon have updated the pencil’s 500 year design after learning that the pencil can draw for up to six miles/ten kilometres. The Six Mile Pencil contains enough graphite to cover this distance and the product, created by the agency, boasts a simple, colourful and striking design. Lyon & Lyon were keen to use a traditional pencil manufacturer in the process and turned to Nottingham-based Chambers, a 90 year old family run business and one of the last pencil manufacturers remaining in the UK.
Check out The Six Mile Pencil kickstarter page that includes the chance to own a limited edition drawing by award-winning artist Roanna Wells whose specialty is intricate pencil strokes to create her artwork. Lyon & Lyon have also collaborated with legendary British artist Jon Burgerman who will be creating a one off illustration that contains six miles worth of his acclaimed doodles. Visit the Lyon & Lyon website to find out more about The Six Mile Pencil and support their kickstarter here.