Nitram
Nitram Charcoal: Fine Artist Charcoal Since 1965
Nitram Charcoal is renowned for its exceptional consistency, strength, and tonal richness. Unlike vine or willow charcoal, Nitram is crafted using a unique process that preserves the wood’s cell structure. This results in a highly durable stick that resists breakage and offers artists enhanced control and depth of tone.
The story of Nitram begins with Martin Gros, who was born in Spain in 1914. After the Spanish Civil War, he relocated to France, where he began producing charcoal in the forests of L’Yonne. In 1962, he joined Luxor, an established charcoal manufacturer, before founding his own company in 1965.
He named it Nitram, which is Martin spelt backwards. His son, Daniel Gros, played a crucial role in refining production methods to meet growing demand, investing in specialised ovens and machinery that are still in use today.
By the 1980s, Nitram’s reputation had grown thanks to their consistent quality and cleaner manufacturing process. In more recent years, the tradition has been carried forward by Jerzy Niedojadlo, who revived the brand after a brief hiatus. Jerzy continues to produce Nitram Charcoal with the same commitment to excellence.
Recommended by institutions such as the Florence Academy of Art, Nitram remains a favourite among artists seeking a quality charcoal product with superior tonal variation. Nitram also produce accompanying products such as charcoal holders, sharpening blocks, and Liquid Charcoal, which give artists even more ways to work with this versatile and time-honoured material.
‘Nitram Liquid Charcoal is an innovative approach to a long-established medium, allowing artists to explore the place where painting and drawing meet. The gum arabic vehicle gives the charcoal different properties, allowing it to be used as a paint as well as a drawing material.’
- Evie Hatch, ‘Nitram Liquid Charcoal: Where Painting and Drawing Meet’, Jackson’s Art Blog