Since I could not find my favorite Elco paper locally, the Elco Classic Velin (currently called Elco James Velin), I took advantage of the free shipping offer of Amazon, and bought some Elco Prestige writing pads:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prestige-Writing-Blank-Watermark-Wrapped/dp/B003B1ZJAG
It is 100gr paper, white, and with a smooth finish (similar to the Elco James Satiné paper). Actually I prefer the slightly rougher finish of the Velin paper. The Prestige paper has the "DOM" watermark which is the signature of Elco paper.
The Prestige paper is blanco, and comes in 50 sheet pads, with a lined guide sheet. The cover of the old style "Classic" pads looked more luxury than the current Elco James and Elco Prestige papers. However, since the original producer was taken over more than 5 years ago (after severe financial problems), it has become almost impossible to find the "Classic" writing pads. From what I can see, and feel, the only change was the cover, and the paper is still the same.
I have tried the Elco Prestige 100gr paper with a Lamy Persona (M nib) and Lamy turquoise ink. No feathering, or bleeding, at all, which I also had not expected, given the quality of the Elco papers. The paper absorbs the ink quite quickly. From my memory, that sometimes was a problem with the old style Toilé paper.
I prefer the creamy look of the Velin paper, but the white Prestige paper brings out the turquoise ink color very nicely (I'll try to post a picture later, with various inks). Another Elco Classic offering from the past, the Verge paper, seems to have disappeared completely from their line-up, just like the Toilé.
My impression is that the Prestige paper doesn't have the same amount of calendering as the Satiné paper has (fortunately, I would say). I would say that it is a very good writing paper, though a notch below the excellent Elco James Velin paper. If you can find it locally, or can take advantage of free shipping, I would recommend it. Otherwise, cross ocean shipping (for overseas B&B'ers) would make it too expensive.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prestige-Writing-Blank-Watermark-Wrapped/dp/B003B1ZJAG
It is 100gr paper, white, and with a smooth finish (similar to the Elco James Satiné paper). Actually I prefer the slightly rougher finish of the Velin paper. The Prestige paper has the "DOM" watermark which is the signature of Elco paper.
The Prestige paper is blanco, and comes in 50 sheet pads, with a lined guide sheet. The cover of the old style "Classic" pads looked more luxury than the current Elco James and Elco Prestige papers. However, since the original producer was taken over more than 5 years ago (after severe financial problems), it has become almost impossible to find the "Classic" writing pads. From what I can see, and feel, the only change was the cover, and the paper is still the same.
I have tried the Elco Prestige 100gr paper with a Lamy Persona (M nib) and Lamy turquoise ink. No feathering, or bleeding, at all, which I also had not expected, given the quality of the Elco papers. The paper absorbs the ink quite quickly. From my memory, that sometimes was a problem with the old style Toilé paper.
I prefer the creamy look of the Velin paper, but the white Prestige paper brings out the turquoise ink color very nicely (I'll try to post a picture later, with various inks). Another Elco Classic offering from the past, the Verge paper, seems to have disappeared completely from their line-up, just like the Toilé.
My impression is that the Prestige paper doesn't have the same amount of calendering as the Satiné paper has (fortunately, I would say). I would say that it is a very good writing paper, though a notch below the excellent Elco James Velin paper. If you can find it locally, or can take advantage of free shipping, I would recommend it. Otherwise, cross ocean shipping (for overseas B&B'ers) would make it too expensive.
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