Cretacolor is the direct manufacturing descendent of the company started by Joseph Hardtmuth in 1790, which produced the first pencil leads by using a mixture of graphite and clay. Cretacolor fine art materials and supplies are produced in the original Hardtmuth factory in Hirm, Austria. They are known for the highest quality, most comprehensive range of artist’s quality drawing materials in the world.

Cretacolor uses innovative techniques with each of their various products to produce a quality artist utensil. For example, the different types of graphite are mixed with high-grade fireproof ceramic clay and then finely ground together. This special clay gives the graphite high breaking strength. The graphite/clay mixture is then fired to increase hardness. A final dipping into a “bath” of natural oils and waxes optimizes smoothness. The proportion of graphite to clay determines the softness and darkness of the lead. The pencils are housed in a hard cedar casing, which is exceptionally strong, and easily sharpened. All of Cretacolors products use the same thought, careful manufacturing, and innovative ideas to result in the highest quality art supplies to be found anywhere.

Cretacolor offers the art materials and supplies market the widest range of fine drawing materials: from graphite pencils, graphite sticks, chalk pastels sets and compressed charcoal.