The value of paper

In a world dominated by digital forms of communication, writing by hand represents a special form of appreciation and sensuality. Understanding writing as culture means taking style and content equally seriously. This also has something to do with sophistication. Writing culture represents a moment of conscious pause, sensuality, as well as clarity reduced to the essentials.

When writing by hand, several senses are activated at the same time, which enshrines the written texts more deeply in the author's long-term memory. In addition, the motor and linguistic areas of the brain work together more efficiently, as we only use one hand when writing – in contrast to typing.

Writing a letter or card by hand shows thoughtfulness, great appreciation and a sense of depth. Writing something by hand means putting your personality into words. Situations that call for hand-written communications are often very emotional moments in a person's life – the birth of a child, a wedding or even the death of a loved one.

For our shop in Zurich, we wanted to create the atmosphere of an international concept store, a place of tranquillity but completely modern, offering a gateway into the unique world of paper and writing culture. Belgian architect Glenn Sestig also helped to achieve this with his fantastic design. With exquisite natural materials, subdued colour variations, bronzed mirrors, marble and a special travertine, we created an ideal stage and environment for customers to experience our products. 

My personal tip for Christmas: make time for the people who are important to you. This not only means choosing thoughtful gifts, but also writing a few personal words for them. A carefully selected piece of paper bearing a handwritten message often has greater meaning and is appreciated more than material gifts.

A wide variety of people are rediscovering the topic of paper and writing culture – in many different ways and across all age groups, regardless of whether they belong to an older generation that has been celebrating the culture of writing for decades or a younger generation that is discovering handwriting and the right paper as a new status symbol for itself. Digital media have become a matter of course in their everyday lives; however, they are turning to paper for the special moments.

People also need to comprehend these special moments. In a world that seems to be speeding up more by the day, handwritten correspondence achieves something extraordinary, conveying a feeling of care, seriousness and, above all, personal appreciation. The fact that someone takes the time to do this is neither a fad nor something outdated. E-mail is akin to fast food, while written letters are haute cuisine. In 30 years' time, will we have the same feeling when we find an old text message as when we rediscover an old handwritten letter from a great love? Will such SMS messages even survive in any of the clouds?

Hieronymus
Flagship Store
Bärengasse 10
8001 Zürich

+41 43 344 86 63
hieronymus-cp.com