Conté à Paris drawing crayons and pencils have been helping artists bring ideas to life for more than two centuries. Born from the ingenuity of French inventor Nicolas-Jacques Conté during the graphite shortage of the late eighteenth century, these iconic drawing materials combine pigments, clay and natural binders to deliver exceptional control, rich colour and expressive mark making.
Today, Conté remains a favourite for life drawing, portraiture, figure studies and sketching. From the deep blacks of Pierre Noire to the warm earth tones of Sanguine and Bistre, each crayon and pencil offers a unique character that has inspired generations of artists.












