The company has built a reputation for high-quality products, innovative design, and a commitment to supporting creativity in both professional and personal contexts. From premium office supplies to art materials, notebooks, and crafting ranges, the group offers a diverse portfolio that appeals to a wide variety of customers while maintaining consistent standards of excellence. Here in the UK, we're based in King's Lynn, a charming town in Norfolk. Our office may be small, but it has a real sense of character and community. It's filled with passionate, hardworking people, and there's a genuine family feel to the team. Many members of staff have been with the company for decades, which speaks volumes about their loyalty and love for the industry. That shared passion is felt day to day and plays a big part in shaping the positive, welcoming environment that defines who we are as a company.
Who founded the company and why?
The British subsidiary's beginning started in 1897 in England with the founding of Tollit & Harvey by Charles Clifton Tollit and his close friend and colleague, John Harvey. Both men left their positions in stationery shops to pursue their ambition of running a business of their own. Their decision was driven by a shared passion for stationery and a strong belief in its practical value, recognising how well-designed stationery could support organisation, creativity, and everyday tasks. By combining their experience with a commitment to quality, they set out to build a company rooted in craftsmanship and purpose.
Today, Tollit & Harvey is fully integrated into the French Exacompta Clairefontaine group, combining its rich heritage with the international reach, resources, and innovation of a global leader in stationery and creative products.
The company has evolved significantly over time, navigating major historical events such as two world wars, as well as periods of relocation and collaboration. Exaclair Ltd adapted to changing times, which is clearly reflected in catalogue images from the 1980s and 1990s when compared to the more modern product designs seen today. The most significant transformation occurred in 2008, when Tollit & Harvey rebranded as Exaclair Ltd and became part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, marking a new chapter of growth, modernisation, and expanded reach.
What do you specialise in?
While the company has strengths across the entire stationery and creative industry, supported by a diverse portfolio of brands, our key specialities lie in premium paper products. Rhodia notebooks remain a standout, known for their exceptional paper quality, thoughtful layouts, and refined design, all of which create a writing experience that feels intentional and enjoyable. For many users, Rhodia highlights the true value of professional notebooks by showing how quality materials and craftsmanship can elevate everyday writing. Alongside this, Clairefontaine craft products also play an important role in what we specialise in. Clairefontaine is widely recognised for its superior paper, making it a favourite among artists, crafters, and students alike. Whether used for drawing, crafting, or creative projects, Clairefontaine paper offers reliability and performance that allow creativity to flow freely, reinforcing our commitment to quality across both writing and craft.
My current favourite definitely has to be Blockx paints. They set a completely new standard for acrylics, and the quality genuinely took me by surprise. I've never worked with paints quite like them before. While they do sit at a higher price point compared to some competitors, that difference is clearly reflected in the performance, as you only need a very small amount to achieve incredible results.
Two shades that have never let me down are Quinacridone Pink (472) and Olive Green (645). Both colours are beautifully rich and intensely pigmented, and they always perform consistently. The paint applies smoothly with no streaking or blotching, which makes the entire painting process far more enjoyable and satisfying. Blockx truly enhances the creative experience for me. On top of this, the brand caters to multiple artistic mediums, including watercolours, oils, and acrylics, making it a versatile and exciting choice for artists of all levels.
Hobby & crafts have boomed over the last two years! Have you noticed any new trends?
One major trend we have noticed is the growing popularity of upcycling. This movement has gained significant traction on social media platforms such as Tumblr and TikTok, where arts and crafts communities frequently share projects that transform everyday or discarded items into something creative and functional. Upcycling ties closely to a wider focus on sustainability, with people becoming more conscious of waste and eager to reuse materials in imaginative ways. Decopatch can be tied in with this closely.
Alongside this, there has been a noticeable shift towards crafts as a form of relaxation and self-expression. Many people are using creative hobbies as a way to slow down, disconnect from screens, and create something meaningful by hand. These trends have contributed to a more inclusive and experimental crafting culture, where creativity, sustainability, and personal enjoyment are just as important as the finished result.
I would advise retailers to see Exacompta Clairefontaine products as a premium investment rather than a standard stationery line. While our products are priced slightly higher than average, this reflects their exceptional quality, durability, and consistency. From our high-performance office supplies and professional paints to creative ranges for children, every product is designed to deliver reliability and a superior user experience. Our carefully crafted paper, thoughtful designs, and strong brand reputation encourage repeat purchases and foster long-term customer loyalty. By offering products that combine functionality, creativity, and lasting quality, retailers can confidently provide customers with stationery and craft items that truly stand out in a competitive market. Positioning the range as high-quality, dependable, and enjoyable ensures that customers understand and appreciate the value behind every purchase.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
The key factor that sets us apart from our competitors is the breadth, diversity, and exceptional quality of our product range. We offer something for everyone, whether customers are drawn to a particular aesthetic, brand, or functional need. Every item is designed with care and precision, using high-quality materials that ensure durability, reliability, and a premium feel. Our products are also created with inclusivity in mind, allowing people from different backgrounds, professions, and creative styles to find stationery that suits the way they work or create. This combination of versatility, thoughtful design, and superior quality ensures our items are not only visually appealing but also practical, adaptable, and built to stand the test of time.
Do you visit any trade shows? Do you plan to visit any soon?
Yes, we actively take part in trade shows, as they play a key role in connecting us with retailers, industry professionals, and customers. These events provide a valuable platform to showcase new and existing products, exchange ideas, and gain insight into emerging trends within the stationery and creative industries. Looking ahead, we are planning to attend several trade shows in 2026, including the London Stationery Show. Attending these events allows us not only to present our product ranges, but also to engage directly with people who share a genuine passion for stationery, helping us build stronger relationships and continue to grow within the industry. If you are planning to visit, our stand number is M416.
What are you looking forward to most over the next year?
I am most looking forward to attending the London Stationery Show, as it will be my first time and an exciting milestone for me. The opportunity to represent a company I genuinely care about and believe in is something I find incredibly motivating, and it feels rewarding to be part of a brand I'm proud to stand behind.
I'm also excited to meet other like-minded people within the stationery industry, from fellow professionals to customers who already love the products. Being able to hear their experiences, share enthusiasm, and see firsthand how our stationery fits into people's everyday lives is something I'm really looking forward to. At the end of the day, although I work here, I truly love the products we put out, and that genuine appreciation makes the year ahead feel even more exciting.
What new products can we expect from you in the future?
We've got some great new things coming that we're really excited about, especially in the creative and crafting space. One standout update is the refreshed Décopatch range, which now includes new foil paper options that add extra shine and texture to projects. These metallic and decorative foils give crafters even more ways to personalise and elevate their work, whether on papier-mâché shapes or other surfaces - perfect for seasonal projects and making standout pieces
Alongside these refreshed Décopatch papers, we're also expanding our crafting offerings from Clairefontaine with new creative kits and discovery boxes. These kits bring together curated materials and inspiration in one box, making it easy for both beginners and experienced makers to explore different craft techniques - from paper crafting to mixed-media projects - and discover new ways to be creative. Clairefontaine is always focused on quality and versatility, so these products are designed to be enjoyable, functional, and inspiring for a wide range of crafting interests.
Exacompta Clairefontaine
+44 01553 696 600
https://exaclairlimited.com/
