The stock market has had its ups and downs over the years. But few people know the rich history behind the origins of the stock market as we know it today. Evolved from the technology of the telegraph, the stock market ticker was first used in 1867. S.S. Laws, President of the Gold Exchange, invented the 'gold indicator' which displayed the current price of gold. In that same year, E.A. Calahan invented the first stock telegraph printing instrument. It became known as a 'stock ticker' by the sound it would make. This stock ticker opened the door to many new changes, and competitors began to emerge. Learn more about the fascinating history through the vast selection of vintage prints available in our catalog.

The propelling pencil, known today as the mechanical pencil, was designed to take the place of the regular lead pencil. It does not require sharpening, and maintains lines of consistent thickness. The very first known propelling pencil was found among the wreckage of HMS Pandora, a ship which sank in 1791. However, they did not become popular until much later. In 1877, the first spring-loaded mechanical pencil was patented. Today there are many variations of propelling pencil. Discover many interesting facts on our art deco prints.

In 1662, the French word 'pastel' was first used. Today the word pastel has a variety of meanings, but it is used in reference to 'pale color'. Its origins came about with the mixing of pigments with chalks to lighten the colors. Pastel pencils are used for fine details in artwork, as they are pencils with a pastel lead. Learn more about the history of couloured pencils and pastel pencils in our catalog.