Tulip for Team Fox Ballpoint Pen

Around the world, an estimated six million people live with the effects of Parkinson’s disease – a degenerative neurological disorder with no known cure.

Now Montegrappa is joining the effort to end Parkinson’s disease by partnering with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Proceeds from all sales of the Tulip for Team Fox go directly to an organisation Bloomberg recently labelled “the fulcrum on which Parkinson’s research pivots.”

The sculpted pocket clip of the Tulip for Team Fox is inspired by the global symbol of Parkinson’s disease awareness and designed by Australian fine artist, Timothy John.

John was himself diagnosed with the condition in 2017. As continues to adapt to his new reality, he noticed how the symbols associated with other causes were often temporary and tokenistic. By contrast, a prestige pen could provide a poignant, lasting way to draw attention to Parkinson’s, while also raising funds for the cause.

The red tulip was formally adopted as the global symbol of Parkinson’s consciousness in 2005. Its creation came after a decade of giant strides in global awareness of the disease.

Few figures have worked harder to highlight Parkinson’s disease than Michael J. Fox. Since revealing his own diagnosis in 1998, the foundation he founded has diverted more than $800 million to Parkinson’s research.

A portion of proceeds from all purchases benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s efforts to foster cooperation in the scientific community and accelerate a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

The starting point for the design of the Tulip for Team Fox was the Elmo 01 – a compact, all-round pen that recalls the international style made popular by the Bauhaus movement in the 1920s.

Duotone colouring and a distinctive profile offer an innovative way for pen owners and gift seekers to show empathy for Parkinson’s patients and contribute to the search for a cure.

The Michael J Fox Foundation’s signature orange livery provides the colour reference for the pen’s barrel, section and a Montegrappa insignia set into a cap of tulip red.

The pen’s name and clip evoke the tulip – the global symbol of Parkinson’s awareness. Its design comes from the hand of Australian fine artist and Montegrappa ambassador, Timothy John.