A common grammatical error is to confuse the words “stationary” and “stationery.” The former, as a nearby old Webster’s Dictionary helpfully advises, means “not moving: staying in one place or position.” And the latter refers to “office materials (such as paper, pens and ink).” But when we turn to the paper clip—one of the most trusted, longstanding and ubiquitous items of almost any pencil case, desk organizer or filing cabinet drawer—both words and either spelling seem to be equally appropriate. In a world where even the crust of a humble takeout pizza can scarcely be left free from elaborate additions, the paper clip stands steadfast. Immune to fleeting fads, fashions and the mania for more and more innovative technology, its design has remained largely unchanged for close to a century now. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Fifteen Buy Now Related Stories Design Issue 27 Khalid Al Qasimi Long-distance calling: Meet the designer balancing two jobs in two countries. Design Falling Asleep with Charlie Hedin Charlie Hedin—founder and creative director of bedding company Tekla—on his rituals of sleep. Design High Desert: Kenesha Sneed Kenesha Sneed makes ceramics in her home studio that celebrate all things good about the Southern California life. Design Issue 22 Byredo Ben Gorham’s nose is big business. By following it, he’s expanded his fragrance brand Byredo into a global empire. Design Issue 22 Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses “I dwell in the city and the city dwells in me,” Juhani Pallasmaa writes. Design Issue 22 Sophie Hicks Architect Sophie Hicks discusses how she keeps her competitive impulses in balance.
Design Issue 27 Khalid Al Qasimi Long-distance calling: Meet the designer balancing two jobs in two countries.
Design Falling Asleep with Charlie Hedin Charlie Hedin—founder and creative director of bedding company Tekla—on his rituals of sleep.
Design High Desert: Kenesha Sneed Kenesha Sneed makes ceramics in her home studio that celebrate all things good about the Southern California life.
Design Issue 22 Byredo Ben Gorham’s nose is big business. By following it, he’s expanded his fragrance brand Byredo into a global empire.
Design Issue 22 Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses “I dwell in the city and the city dwells in me,” Juhani Pallasmaa writes.
Design Issue 22 Sophie Hicks Architect Sophie Hicks discusses how she keeps her competitive impulses in balance.
