Clearly, Winston Churchill (1874-1965) possessed an incredible work ethic, and was one of the greatest orators that has ever lived. He inspired and motivated millions around the world through the spoken and written word. It was his thoughts and ideas that flowed from his pen that cemented him as an icon of the 20th Century who continues to inspire people to this day – including us at Conway Stewart where the Churchill and Winston models are named after him.

In association with Churchill Heritage Ltd, Conway Stewart has produced the Churchill Heritage Collection, a series of limited edition writing instruments with designs inspired by the words of the great man himself. “Action This Day” is the third in the series. 

“I NEVER WORRY ABOUT ACTION, BUT ONLY INACTION”

Churchill was a man of many talents. Although he was best known as the Prime Minister who succeeded in bringing an allied victory in World War Two, he was also an accomplished artist and writer. In 1953 he received the Nobel Prize in Literature "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values." It’s no wonder that a man as well-versed as Churchill was keen on ensuring timeliness and efficiency with tasks and instructions.  

Churchill’s character was one of strong will and action – never was that more clear in the red “ACTION THIS DAY” labels that he stamped on thousands of official documents in his time as Prime Minister during World War Two. It was an imperative that urged recipients to act quickly and efficiently. 

One case where such a label made a real difference was in October 1941. The codebreakers at Bletchley Park, Alan Turning, Gordon Welchman, Hugh Alexander and Stuart Milner-Barry, sent a letter to Churchill asking for help, telling him that they were under-resourced. Churchill then forwarded the letter to General Ismay, his chief military advisor, with the following note: 
“ACTION THIS DAY. Make sure they have all they want on extreme priority and report this has been done.”

Within a month, Stewart Menzies, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, reported the needs of Bletchley Park were being met and they would go on to break the Enigma code – a significant step in turning the tide of World War Two.

A WRITING INSTRUMENT WITH GRAVITAS 

All the pens in the Churchill Heritage Collection are based on the classic Conway Stewart Churchill design and feature a number of connections to Churchill’s great mind and personality. The third pen in the collection has an engraved barrel with the imperative “Action This Day” etched into it. Below that is an engraved recreation of Churchill’s signature and the mark of pride that each Conway Stewart pen is “Made in Britain”.

Engraved on the top of the cap of all the Heritage pens is the iconic sketch of “Pug”. Clementine, Churchill’s wife, called Winston “my sweet pug” – as result, in their correspondence he often drew small illustrations of a pug. The illustration which features on the cap is taken from a letter sent to Clementine dated 1st August 1909, a facsimile of which accompanies each pen showing his handwriting in all its glory.

A companion book entitled “All Will Be Well: Good Advice From Winston Churchill” comes with every pen in the Churchill Heritage Collection. It features 120 quotes, phrases and sayings penned by the former Prime Minister. 

Each pen in the Churchill Heritage Collection is superbly packaged in a replica red cabinet box which would have been used by Churchill to transport his ministerial papers from home to the office. The lid of the red cabinet box has another one of his famous quotes, “I have always earned my living by my pen” – a sentiment which should inspire us all. 

CHURCHILL HERITAGE COLLECTION

Produced in association with Churchill Heritage Ltd  which is a company through which the Churchill family distributes money to charities and good causes that keep alive the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and the spirit of the words of wisdom he penned. Up to 20% of every pen sold goes to Churchill Heritage to help organise events and education to keep alive the memory of Sir Winston Churchill and his wise words for future generations.

The Conway Stewart Churchill Heritage Collection will feature six models, each one inspired by a famous phrase of his and only 100 of each model will be made. Every pen comes with a certificate detailing the edition number. This third pen in the Heritage Series is available in two colours: Classic Black and 9ct Gold, or Bordeaux and 9ct Gold. “Action This Day” is preceded in the collection by “All Will Be Well”, “Never Give In” and followed by “KBO”.