In 1838, the art of watercolor painting was particularly popular in high society circles, but the selection of colors at attractive prices proved to be limited.

Chemist Carl Hornemann decided to change this and established his own manufacturing unit near Hanover, Germany.

A gin distillery, near the place from where he sourced the distilled water needed for his ink production.

Over the centuries that followed, Pelikan gained a competitive advantage in the production of ink and watercolors, which continues to this day.