Leuchtturm1917 x Bethge: A Collaboration Built on Colour, Craft and Design History
Some collaborations feel natural from the start. The new Luminous Edition from Leuchtturm1917 is one of them. It pairs the engineering and paper expertise Leuchtturm1917 is known for with the visual confidence of Bethge, a design house with a long-standing reputation for colour, craftsmanship and simplicity done well.
At BradburyART, we see a lot of stationery, and it is rare to come across a partnership that feels genuinely balanced. This one works because both brands share a similar mindset: make products that look good, feel good and last.
The Bethge Legacy
Bethge has been part of Germany’s design landscape since the 1970s. Their early work centred on small-batch leather goods and hand-printed papers, produced with traditional techniques and a strong focus on material quality. Over time, the brand built a reputation for clean, graphic design that avoided trends and focused instead on clarity and colour.
A few things that have defined Bethge’s legacy across the decades:
- Consistency in design: a preference for structure, order and balance.
- A disciplined approach to colour: bold tones used with intent, not decoration.
- A strong sense of practicality: every piece is designed to be used, not just displayed.
- Close ties to craft: many products still rely on workshop production and careful finishing.
- A lasting presence in premium stationery: trusted by designers, writers and stationery fans.
Bethge’s influence reaches beyond their own products; many stationery brands have taken cues from their layouts, palettes and emphasis on clear, functional design. This gives the Luminous Edition real weight. It is not a trend-led project but a meeting of two established approaches to design.
How Bethge Shapes the Luminous Edition
The Luminous Edition brings neon tones to the Drehgriffel Nr. 1, matching Pen Loops and notebooks. Colour is at the centre of the range, but the way it is used feels very much in line with Bethge’s character.
- The colours are strong but controlled.
- Black accents give structure and keep the contrast in check.
- Surfaces are clean and simple, with no extra pattern or texture.
- Each piece looks considered rather than loud.
Bethge’s background in material-led design sits naturally beside Leuchtturm1917’s focus on build quality. The result is a range that feels both playful and precise.
The Luminous Edition Range
Drehgriffel Nr. 1 – Luminous Edition
- Milled aluminium and brass body
- Medium ballpoint refill with black, document-proof ink
- Four neon colourways with black accents
- Refillable mechanism for long-term use
- Comfortable 13 cm length
Pen Loop – Luminous Edition
- Self-adhesive 40 × 40 mm base
- 15 mm elastic loop to hold most pens and pencils
- Neon colours designed to match the rest of the collection
Why This Collaboration Stands Out
The strength of this edition is in how well the two brands complement each other. Leuchtturm1917 brings engineering, reliability and materials. Bethge brings visual identity, colour discipline and a long history of graphic design.
Together, they have created a range that looks sharp on the desk, feels purposeful in the hand and carries a story that design-minded customers will appreciate.
We are pleased to share this edition with our community at BradburyART. It is a clear example of a collaboration that respects both brands while giving customers something genuinely different to write with and use every day.
