Human writes

It is one of the most ingenious and indispensable inventions of the 20th century, but is the mighty ballpoint pen in danger of being rendered outdated by the very aspect that made it so popular in the first place - it's disposability?

Actually no. Because now we have a beautiful solid brass version instead, thanks to Minimalux. The London-based designers of super simple luxury accessories has just launched its first Biro, replacing the cheap plastic casing with a single fluid sleeve of lasting, almost indestructible, solid brass. Designed to give utmost satisfaction while writing, careful consideration has been given to weight and balance - the Ballpoint delivers "a smooth and fluid line with very little applied pressure - transforming the performance of the humble refill and providing an effortless and noteworthy writing experience", according to Minimalux. Best of all is that it will stand stable and upright on a desk so everyone can see you have a £75 biro and are therefore being duly considerate of the environment.

Mark Holmes, Established & Sons' former design director, set up Minimalux three years ago to focusing on simple, small scale and highly precise designs that so often otherwise get overlooked - also in the stable are pencil holders, pen rests, egg cups and salt shakers in solid brass, gold and silver. Lovely - and in case you're worried about loosing it you won't, just because you'll be looking at it all the time.