The earliest metal dip pens go back many, many centuries, but could damage velum. Ink writing instruments have hardly changed until more recent times. Quill pens being the most popular.
The 900-year-old Winchester Bible, written in velum (calf skin) being an example; the the original ‘copied’ version dates back to circa A.D. 380. The earliest existing, and used example of the Five Books of Moses (the Torah) dates back to 1155 A.D. and 1225 A.D.
A quill pen nib was carefully cut from a feather into a split nib writing instrument. Later dip pens using inkwells were much used until the mid-1950s. Fountain pens were expensive and children, for example, in 1956 (including me of course!) used dip pens. Old desks with inkwells tend to have a lot of ink stains!
Dip pens were special, but fountain pens were a lot easier to write with. Later school days I did use a fountain pen and use one to this day.
A fountain pen connects the heart to the paper rather than a keyboard or dictation. A direct, physical connection with inspiration and creativity.
A fountain pen is a joy to use.
Are there any users of fountain pens out there?
Love this little kid-bit on quill ink pens. I actually like to use one now and then, especially in my art work. Thank you for the reminder!
Hello Lynn,
Thank you so much for your comment. Ink pens are really special. They really do send you back to childhood. At least when ten years old in 1956!! I remember sitting in the headmaster’s study with his daughter, Catherine. We were both writing using pens at his large desk. I can still hear as if today, her squeaky Conway Stewart fountain pen as she wrote.
Some aspects of life certainly take us into the past. Childhood the most special.
Thank you again, Lynn
Kindest regards to you,
Simon