Calligraphy Quill Pen

Writing with a quill pen requires practice, but its versatility makes the effort worthwhile. With endless font choices and styles at your disposal, writing with quill pens makes an unforgettable impression on all who witness it.

Calligraphers use quill pens to produce elegant and artistic lettering for invitations, certificates, and personalized artworks. Technical draftsmen and illustrators also utilize them for creating fine and precise lines.

Types

Writing with a quill pen conjures images of elegance, tradition and antiquity – yet its use continues today among calligraphers and stationery enthusiasts for its beauty, precision and historical relevance.

Quill pens were first developed at the start of the Middle Ages as an alternative to reed and bamboo pens that didn’t hold their points well. Quill pens consist of feathers cut to form traditional pen nibs with thin slits to regulate ink flow through capillary action from their hollow shaft (called the calamus) onto an ink reservoir called an “ink reservoir.”

Feathers used for calligraphy quill pens can vary, with goose and swan feathers typically providing the strongest quills, harvested from live birds during their new growth phase after molting. Crow, turkey and owl feathers have also been utilized. Additionally, calligraphy quill pens typically include a small nib that holds and delivers ink for use while they’re not in use and need to be kept covered when not being used so as to protect from drying out.

Materials

Quill pens were once widely used writing instruments during medieval and Renaissance periods, including signing important documents like Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence. Later they were replaced by metal pens.

Feather quills are typically made with goose or swan feathers; however, other sources, including turkey feathers, crow feathers or even hawk feathers may also be utilized. Stronger, thicker feathers tend to make for the best pen nibs.

Feather nibs are carefully designed with a slit at their tip that holds and regulates ink flow onto paper, providing full control for writing or drawing styles of all kinds. This slit can be adjusted to different widths depending on individual style preferences.

To avoid build-up on the nib, ink must be frequently blotted to prevent dried ink from corroding metal surfaces. A sanding pad may help, though be careful not to press too hard!

Techniques

Quill pens require precise preparation and technique in order to produce fluid and elegant strokes. The process begins by using a sturdy feather from either goose, crow or other waterfowl/owl species (although other feather types such as mallard may also be suitable) from goose flight feathers; suitable ink is then added to an inkwell; finally the nib of the quill pen is immersed into this ink using light yet consistent pressure from its handler.

Dependent upon the type of quill pen and ink being used, periodic sharpening of its nib may be required. A natural feather must be treated and cured prior to writing using methods such as soaking it in ashes or vinegar solution; both water-based and pigmented ink should contain glycerin for added suppleness to avoid drying too quickly and leaving its nib dull; metal nibs tend to be more durable but require ongoing care in order to stay sharp.

Maintenance

Maintaining a calligraphy quill pen requires keeping it clean at all times. Failing to do this could result in ink flow issues, skips and permanent damage to both its nib and section of a fountain pen.

Filtered or distilled water should be used when cleaning a fountain pen as it reduces the risk of minerals damaging its metal parts. Place the nib and feed section in a glass of water and gently move it back and forth for several minutes so as to draw water into and out of it, until your pen is completely clean.

For deeper cleaning you can also use specific fountain pen cleaning solutions or household products like washing-up liquid. Rubbish alcohol and acetone should be avoided however as these substances can irreparably damage the pen. Cleaning frequency will depend on your use of the fountain pen; testing different schedules is always wise.