The John Lennon Tour Bus hits the European roads. Over the last 16 years, the non-profit state-of-the-art mobile audio and video recording and production studio was present at American schools and festivals. While traveling from coast to coast, the bus stops at schools, universities, concerts and music festivals in order to provide young people with further music education.

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus for Europe

In 2013 the popular Tour Bus gets a European counterpart, which drives through Europe. On 8th of May, Yoko Ono Lennon unveiled the brand new Education Tour Bus for Europe during a launch event in John Lennon’s hometown Liverpool, UK.

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Attendees were able to preview this extraordinary vehicle before it sets off on an exciting tour of the UK and Europe. In mid-June, the new bus will make its way to London to attend the Yoko Ono curated Meltdown Festival on the South Bank, amongst other soon to be announced dates.

“The educational bus is a huge success in the USA. But John would have been extra thrilled that it is now launching in Europe, starting in Liverpool, his home town.”

Yoko Ono Lennon

In 2010, Montblanc supported this great project for the first time and accompanied the bus during its tour through the USA. This year, Montblanc once again supports the John Lennon Tour Bus and its effort to give students of all ages the possibility to learn more about music and its production as part of their education. Stopping at local schools, colleges and festivals, the  bus and its staff strive to reach as many people as possible in order to inspire students to create art, music and film.

A state-of-the-art mobile recording studio

During its 16 years on the road, the US Lennon Bus has teamed up with renowned artists such as will.i.am, Natascha Bedingfield and the Black Eyed Peas.  Continuing this tradition, the European edition will invite name recording artists to participate, mentor students, and utilise the facilities throughout its journey.

With its two digital recording studios, acoustic isolation room and newest technology the students get the chance to learn how to compose, play, perform, record and produce songs and music videos – in just one day!  Like its original sister bus in the US, Lennon Bus Europe is staffed by a crew of three producers. The interior is divided into three separate studio environments that can be opened to create one large studio. The front studio is a cutting-edge audio and video production room. The rear studio offers pro-level recording and mixing at the highest possible resolution, as well as an iso booth for acoustic recordings, and a Chromatte booth.

Montblanc John Lennon Commemoration Edition 1940

Montblanc shares many of John Lennon’s convictions about the responsibility of art and culture to society. Besides continuing the support for the John Lennon Tour Bus, Montblanc launches a ballpoint pen that completes the John Lennon Commemoration Edition 1940. With this Edition Montblanc is ensuring that Lennon’s legend not only lives on in his verse, his music, and his artistic legacy, but in the beauty of a timeless writing instrument. In this masterpiece, Montblanc has captured Lennon’s incredible soul and philosophy.

Latest News from the Bus here on Stories to Tell

Stay tuned for the latest news here on Stories to tell and don’t forget to check out the UK & European tour schedule on the interactive map, to see if the John Lennon Education tour Bus will reach your city.
“Lennon” and “John Lennon” are trademarks of Yoko Ono Lennon. Lennon “self-portrait” artwork © Yoko Ono Lennon. Licensed through Bag One Arts, Inc.

Since the beginning of May 2013, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus hits the European roads. Time to take a closer look at the Montblanc John Lennon Editions inspired by the legendary musician.

Celebrating the enduring spirit of John Lennon

Montblanc celebrates this great artist and his enduring spirit, since the John Lennon Editions were released on occasion of his 70th anniversary in 2010. In honour to this outstanding talent the Montblanc John Lennon Editions ensure that his legend not only lives on in his verse, his music, and his artistic legacy, but in the beauty of these timeless writing instruments.

Montblanc John Lennon Commemoration Edition 1940

The Strawberry Fields Memorial in New York’s Central Park is a dedication to John Lennon. The round mosaic with the word “imagine” at its centre offers pilgrims a peaceful place to remember and reflect and is likewise an authentic source of inspiration for the Commemoration Edition 1940.

The edition, limited to 1940 pieces, honouring the year of Lennon’s birth, features a 925 sterling guilloche underlay with translucent white lacquer reminiscent of the motif of the round mosaic where people gather to remember the dearly missed poet. The blue tanzanite crowning the guitar-inspired clip hints subtly at Lennon’s blue glasses, while the pen’s cone is engraved with the release date of “Imagine”: 02.10.1971. The rhodium-plated 18k gold nib of the fountain pen bears the sign so often traced in flowers on the circular memorial mosaic: the peace symbol. The Commemoration Edition 1940 is available as a fountain pen, a rollerball or now additionally also as ballpoint pen.

Montblanc John Lennon Special Edition

Like picking up an old-style vinyl record, the John Lennon Special Edition evokes a striking feeling at a simple touch. The gentle grooves chiselled into the black precious resin of the barrel evoking a vinyl groove texture.

The Special Edition incorporates design elements of the musical genre of the 50s and 60s: The platinum-plated clip, for example, takes its inspiration from a guitar neck, with tuning pegs and finely etched strings on the neck, while the platinum-plated plaque is engraved with Lennon’s famous self-portrait. The handcrafted rhodium-plated 18k gold nib bears the message that John helped spread with his music: the peace sign. This edition is also available as a fountain pen, a rollerball or a ballpoint pen.

John Lennon – a true visionary

The Liverpool-born musician achieved international recognition as a member of The Beatles performing to adoring fans all over the world. However, it was his solo work after the band dissolved which established him as a cultural icon in his own right. Not only was John Lennon admired for his music contribution, he was also considered a great thinker, an independent mind and a true visionary whose influence shaped the intellectual mood of an era.

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” John Lennon

For more than 20 years, Montblanc has actively been involved in nurturing, preserving and developing artistic talent through its numerous initiatives across the world. With such a history, Montblanc is proud to honour John Lennonʼs life, his music and his dreams with the John Lennon Special Editions and by collaborating with the John Lennon Education Tour Bus. The John Lennon Tour Bus, is a US non-profit organization providing young people with the means to learn how to compose, play, perform, record and produce songs and music videos. With the support of Montblanc and Yoko Ono the popular bus now hits the European Roads as well.

Stay tuned to discover more about this great educational music project here on Stories to Tell.

What’s your Meisterstück story?

For almost a century now, the Montblanc Meisterstück has accompanied generations of people, helping them to express the full range of emotions, becoming a part of their relationships, and a symbol of their own dedication and commitment to a cultured lifestyle. It tells of one’s accomplishments and prompts memories of cherished moments! Each Montblanc Meisterstück has its own unique, personal story to tell.

Montblanc give these stories now a platform to be told and invites everyone to share one’s personal Meisterstück story on the dedicated “My Meisterstück” website.

Who among one‘s loved ones has been involved? What has made this moment a special experience? Be it dedication, a meaningful moment or a lasting achievement in one’s life. Everyone is invited to be part of an inspiring mosaic of stories told by people from all over the world.

To take part one simply has to upload his story on the “My Meisterstück” website where users also have the possibility to hashtag their tweets and Instagram pictures with #MyMeisterstueck. With every single story the Meisterstück myth will grow, creating a pleasurable online mosaic of stories, tweets and images.

The Icon of Writing Culture – The Montblanc Meisterstück

Since 1924, the Meisterstück 149 fountain pen has been one of the best-known and most famous writing instruments of our time. Hand-crafted in the best European tradition, its 18 K gold nib with platinum inlay, three gold-plated rings, a gold-plated clip and a barrel made from deep black precious resin this luxurious writing instrument has become a legend among fountain pens.

Be part of the worldwide Meisterstück initiative and share your personal story with this icon of writing culture on http://mymeisterstueck.montblanc.com!

Midnight Moment – a Digital Gallery

Midnight Moment: A Digital Gallery is the largest coordinated effort in history by the sign operators in Times Square to display synchronized, cutting-edge creative content at the same time every day. Each month during the “Midnight Moments” the popular square becomes a digital art gallery through dazzling visuals on selected billboards and newsstands – every day in a countdown to Midnight!

This April, visitors, tourists and New Yorkers have a new great reason to look up onto the impressive screens at the Time Square: Montblanc is delighted to present the “Power of Words” project as part of the “Midnight Moment”.

The “Power of Words” – a tribute to Nelson Mandela

The “Power of Words” project is an inspiring short film compilation of Nelson Mandela’s peaceful and powerful words. The film pays tribute to the peaceful vision of the South African leader on the occasion of his upcoming 95th birthday and was created especially for the Times Square screens.

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For Montblanc, its more than just an exciting piece of modern contemporary art, it honours the power of the written word and is a tribute to remarkable, outstanding people like Nelson Mandela. As part of the international Montblanc “Signature for Good” cooperation with UNICEF, this new and exciting initiative will help to raise awareness and create a better understanding about the importance of quality education for children around the world.

Every night – three minutes before midnight

Be inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words every day three minutes before midnight. The encouraging film, which shows Mandelas’s words on a dramatic, cosmic blue background, begins at 11:57pm with a countdown that signals the start of the three minute long nightly presentation.

The compilation was created by Nabil Elderkin, Andrew Van Der Westhuyzen and Greogry Stern in response to a contest by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Tribeca Film Institute. The intension was to inspire filmmakers to create short films that highlight the enduring impact of words and the resonance of Mandela’s message through multiple eras and generations

All of you, who won’t be in New York during April, will have the chance to watch the inspiring video on Montblanc’s YouTube channel in the following days! So stay tuned and visit our Facebook page for all updates!

Montblanc fragrances offer a captivating scent collection for women and men incarnating Montblanc’s timeless values and traditions of passion, art and craftsmanship. Each fragrance unveils its own sensual sensation; from floral, oriental or fruity scents for the sensual woman, to fresh, woody and spicy fragrances for the charismatic men; both modern and timeless in character, creating an unforgettable signature.

Montblanc has lately enriched its wide range of sophisticated perfumes with two luxury scents for her and him. The sensual and bright Legend pour Femme celebrates true elegance and feminity. While the new summer fragrance for men Legend Special Edition excites with its frozen sparkling freshness.

Legend Special Edition – frozen freshness for him

When spring arrives it is the perfect time to switch your favorite fragrance to a lighter version. With the new fragrance for men, Montblanc offers a fresh and crispy interpretation of Legend as a limited edition for spring and summer. Faithful to the contemporary elegance of Montblanc Legend, this edition maintains the pure and sophisticated signature of the original fragrance.

The heart note remains magnetic with white cedar, rose, fresh jasmine and pomarose™ whereas the dry down notes owe their unforgettable signature to an overdose of evernyl, ambrofix, sandalwood and tonka beans. The surprising duo of frosted ginger and aromatic spearmint immediately reveals a frozen, sparkling, sharp freshness, breathing an invigorating energy into the fragrance and stimulating the senses.

Legend pour Femme – the essence of femininity

The Legend fragrance collection has now, for the first time, been enriched by a feminine version: Legend pour Femme. The sensual and bright floral, fruity and musky scent is a tribute to the modern, charismatic woman, celebrating true elegance and femininity.

Bright and intense, it opens on an accord of neroli, crunchy pear and bitter orange. It is fruity, tender and subtle but not sweet. At the other end of the olfactory spectrum, musk, vanilla and some blond woods anchor the fragrance in a slightly powdery sensuality and the presence of a vapour trail that does not offer itself to the first one who comes along.

Be enchanted by Montblanc’s scent collection available in Montblanc Boutiques worldwide and in our Online Boutique for USA.

Every year Montblanc introduces its Patron of Art Edition, an annual limited edition which celebrates the contribution of historical patrons of arts since 1992. With the Patron of Art Edition 2013 Montblanc honours Ludovico Sforza – Duke of Milan. The design of the two Limited Editions 4810 and 888 are inspired by the striking architecture of the Castello Sforzesco and Leonardo da Vinci’s ceiling fresco from the “Sala delle Asse” in the Milanese castle.

Ludovico Sforza – Duke of Milan

The magnificence of the Renaissance’s great patron 

Ludovico Sforza was born in 1452 as the fourth son of the Milanese duke Francesco Sforza. After being crowned Duke of Milan in 1494, Ludovico promoted humanist education at the University of Milan and commissioned the expansion of the Renaissance Castello Sforzesco. Throughout his reign, Ludovico Sforza supported numerous outstanding artists with commissions at the Milanese court, including the architect Donato Bramante and the greatest genius of his era, Leonardo da Vinci. This universal genius worked for the Duke of Milan for a decade and a half, during which time he created two of his best-known works for his patron: “The Last Supper” in the convent church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and “The Lady with an Ermine”.

The Limited Edtion 4810 – precious black with intricate silver designs

Ludovico Sforza, who was given the sobriquet “il Moro” (the moor) due to his unusually dark complexion, forged alliances with Naples, Venice and France to ensure the security of Milan and his own power. His legendary black armour is symbolised on the Limited Edition 4810 by the gleaming black lacquer with 925 sterling silver inlays. To honour this clever diplomat and intriguer, who was overthrown by the French King Louis XII after forming an alliance against France in 1499, the “testone” – a coin of the Italian Renaissance – was minted. Its distinctive embossments are immortalised on the cap ring. The 750 rhodium plated solid gold nib of the edition is engraved with the Duke’s coat of arms, a final acknowledgement to a lasting cultural legacy.

Ludovico Sforza grew up under the influence of his humanist teacher, Francesco Filelfo, who taught him the theories of Plato and Aristotle and stimulated his love for literature and painting. As duke, he supported humanist education at the University of Milan and commissioned the expansion of the Renaissance Castello Sforzesco. The impressive architecture of the castle inspired the engraving 
on the cone and the design of the cap top of the Limited Edition – complemented by the Montblanc emblem in precious white resin.

The Limited Edition 888 – majestic blue and solid gold

The design of the Limited Edition 888 is reminiscent of the Castello Sforzesco’s striking architecture. Finished in translucent blue lacquer and embellished with Da Vinci’s pattern, the cap and cone are adorned by 750 solid gold fittings and crowned with the distinctive Montblanc emblem in fine mother-of-pearl. The 750 solid gold nib that is enhanced with an engraving inspired by Ludovico’s coat of arms brings this limited edition fountain pen to its culmination.

The Montblanc Patron of Art Edition 2013: Ludovico Sforza is now available in our Montblanc Boutiques worldwide.

Montblanc has always been passionately committed to traditional craftsmanship, exquisite materials and timeless style. This spirit is uniquely conveyed through the refined and sophisticated Montblanc Eyewear Collection. The new sunglasses collection is a selection of exclusive eyewear designs featuring sophisticated styles in timeless shapes, ranging from sensual and feminine for women to contemporary and masculine for men. The usage of new, precious and extraordinary materials such as finest leather and exquisite wood elements is again a highlight of the new collection and add a contemporary touch to every style.

Classic elegance – the men’s styles

Live elegant understatement with a pair of high-end sunglasses that will add the finishing touch to every elegant summer outfit. The new men’s models of the Montblanc Eyewear Collection with contemporary and masculine shapes in acetate or metal perfectly underline the individual personality of the sophisticated man with traditional tones such as black, green and grey.

Such as in the women’s selection, precious materials give these designs their incomparable touch. Wood is the protagonist in this light, elegant and contemporary aviator model with polarised lenses. Model Montblanc Montevideo comes with a shiny rose-gold or matt dark-grey metal frame.

Feminine and sensual – the women’s styles

Ladies can enjoy spring and summer with very feminine and elegant styles from our new Eyewear Collection. The broad and rounded shapes come in classic colours as well as in glamorous tones with pearly shading. Delicately embellished with decorative elements our ladies selection will complete every look while setting a feminine highlight.

The warm brown shades and rose-gold-coloured outlines of the Montblanc Luna Bay model smoothly flatters a woman’s face while the linear but fine design adds a sense of sophistication to her look. With its large, slightly rounded profile this style gives a distinctive vintage appeal and charms in either shiny black or ivory.

The adorably sensual Montblanc Almeria sunglasses feature a rounded shape with graded-grey lenses. The shiny grey acetate temples and hinges are highlighted with pink leather inlays and a tone-on-tone Montblanc emblem. This model comes also in black as a sophisticated alternative for those women who love to express their sense of taste and style.

The new Montblanc sunglasses are the perfect daily companions that reflect exquisite taste and style. Discover all styles from the new eyewear collection now on http://montbl.com/Eyewear.

The Montblanc Eyewear collection is available in our Montblanc Boutiques worldwide and in our US Online Shop via http://montbl.com/ShopEyewear

The Montblanc Worldsecond mobile photo-by-photo journey has reached its final destination – the Montblanc community has chosen the two winners. Participants from 90 countries submitted nearly 10,000 snapshots and created over 1,000 photo galleries of everyday life across the world. Montblanc is overwhelmed by the great success and all the contributions, which enhanced this unique project with their creativity.

The price for the best Worldsecond Photo voted by the public goes to Spain. The winner of best Worldsecond Gallery, compiled from the pictures of the Worldsecond entries, comes from Belgium.

Armed with their smartphones and the Worldsecond mobile app, participants all over the world shared their individual take on our world’s everyday life. The app featured a unique countdown function with an integrated self-timer, ensuring that the smartphone cameras of all participants worldwide take a picture at the very same moment. Users were also invited to tell their stories by creating photo galleries from all uploaded Worldsecond photos.

The result of the Montblanc Worldsecond photo project is an extraordinary mosaic of different perspectives, impressions and moments from around the globe. This online mosaic, a digitally journey across the world showing all the moments of beauty still continues on www.worldsecond.montblanc.com.

Each year Montblanc presents on the day before the Oscars their charity initiative of the year. This year on February 23, Montblanc presented UNICEF as charity partner of the year 2013. With a Charity Brunch at the iconic Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles Montblanc celebrated the launch of the new “Signature for Good” 2013 initiative. Cultural commitment and helping others have always been an integral part of Montblanc’s philosophy. That is why Montblanc initiated the Signature for Good Program in active support of UNICEF’s educational projects, which benefit children around the globe.

Guests from the world of entertainment, young Hollywood and the worldʼs best producers including Hilary Swank, Rosario Dawson, Christopher Lambert, Jesse Williams, UNICEF Ambassador Alyssa Milano and Emmy Rossum joined Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc International, and Caryl M. Stern, CEO and President U.S. Fund for UNICEF attended the event to support this very special cause.

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As a performing surprise, young opera star and Montblanc brand ambassador Shenyang delighted the guests with a dazzling performance. Symbolic of Montblanc’s commitment to giving children access to better education, guests showed their support for the Signature For Good 2013 initiative by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the Hotel Bel Air.

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” includes special edition writing instruments, jewellery pieces and leather accessories. All feature a unique brick design that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programmes and the constructions of schools – brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds of this special edition collection will be donated to UNICEF to build and run schools in Africa, Asia and Latin America and help children pave their way to a successful, self-determined, and happy life.

Montblanc’s partnership with UNICEF

The culture of the written word is one of mankind’s most ancient accomplishments and is deeply rooted in the history of Montblanc. Therefore, cultural commitment and helping others have always been an integral part of Montblanc’s philosophy.

Since 2004 Montblanc has supported UNICEF and has taken an active role in UNICEFʼs efforts to enable more children to learn how to read and write. The “Sign Up for the Right to Write” and the “Power to Write” global fundraising initiatives were launched in 2004 and 2007 respectively. In 2009, Montblanc renewed its commitment to UNICEFʼs work to build a better future for children through access to quality education funded with proceeds from the “Signature for Good” initiative. These global campaigns together raising over $5 million dollars to date.

With the new 2013 “Signature For Good” initiative, Montblanc is building on the success of the first “Signature For Good” campaign in 2009 and pledging to raise at least $1.5 million dollars.

Education is the foundation for a better future.

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” Collection Contains a special edition of writing instruments, jewellery pieces and leather accessories all featuring a unique brick design symbolizing the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities by improving access to quality education. The collection, with its symbolic brick motif, is designed to make a valuable and lasting contribution towards helping children learn to read and write.

Each item of the collection features an individual number associated with a “brick”, a reference to the building and running of schools: indicating that the owner of the product has a symbolic share in the programme and is contributing to building better and brighter futures one brick at a time. By registering the number on the product at www.montblanc.com/signatureforgood, the owner of the piece can monitor the progress of the initiative and find out the many ways in which UNICEF is improving educational opportunities for children.

The iconic Meisterstück with unqiue details

For the special Montblanc “Signature for Good” Collection the design of the iconic Meisterstück has been revisited with unique details like a platinum-plated cap top ring designed with the symbolic rectangular brick pattern and a blue sapphire set in this ring inspired by UNICEF’s blue colour. The black precious resin writing instrument is available as Meisterstück LeGrand and Meisterstück Classique. Each matching set consists of a fountain pen, a rollerball and a ballpoint pen.

Show your support

The leather goods of this exclusive collection, feature the symbolic brick motif and is individually numbered in homage to the charitable program. The specific blue inlays honor the special partnership between Montblanc and UNICEF.

The jewellery pieces consisting of elegant cufflinks, a bangle and a key ring are all made of stainless steel. The design of the jewellery pieces also features the brick motif and a blue sapphire.

The Montblanc “Signature For Good” Collection is available from March 2013 in Montblanc boutiques worldwide.