London Plane Pen Blank

A beautifully distinctive pen blank crafted from London Plane (Platanus × acerifolia), a hybrid tree that lines the streets and parks of cities across Europe and is one of the most recognisable urban trees in Britain. London Plane is prized by pen turners for its spectacular lacewood figure — a striking pattern of large, flecked medullary rays that creates a truly eye-catching effect unlike any other timber.

Wood Characteristics

• Colour: Pale pinkish-brown to warm tan, with large, contrasting reddish-brown medullary ray flecks — the distinctive lacewood pattern that makes this timber instantly recognisable
• Grain: Interlocked, producing the characteristic large ray figure — most dramatic and pronounced on quartersawn faces
• Hardness: Moderately hard — good durability with a comfortable, well-balanced feel in the hand
• Finish: Polishes to a smooth, attractive surface; the lacewood figure becomes dramatically more striking under a clear finish
• Workability: Turns well with sharp tools — a very rewarding timber to work with, particularly when the ray figure is revealed

Supplied

• Size: Approx 20 × 20 × 150mm
• Quantity: 1 pen blank
• Supplied dried and ready to turn

Natural wood — the prominence of the lacewood figure will vary between blanks depending on cut orientation. Images are representative.