Quill Pen and Ink

The quill pen is an old writing instrument made from goose, turkey and crow feathers that was popular up until metal pens became prevalent during the 19th century. Thomas Jefferson even kept geese at Monticello specifically to produce quill pens!

History

Quill pens were first invented at the start of the Middle Ages. Prior to this invention, scribes used clay tablets and reed pens to write on papyrus; however, these tools didn’t hold their points very well and required constant sharpening; in contrast, quill pens were much easier for their user.

To create a quill pen, a bird feather (typically from geese, swans or turkeys but occasionally those from crows, owls and hawks have also been used) must first be treated so it can be written with. Usually this involves curing in either hot water or sand prior to cutting out its point and creating a channel so capillary action can draw ink up through it into it.

Thomas Jefferson kept Monticello well supplied with writing quills by breeding geese specifically bred for this purpose; these quill pens remained popular until metal pens became widespread in the 19th century.

Materials

Quill pens are made from the primary feathers (called remiges) of large birds such as geese, swans, or turkeys and feature a hollow shaft to store ink that flows to its tip through capillary action.

Reed pens are much thinner and can be used for intricate work like calligraphy. Additionally, their points remain sharp longer so less sharpening is needed over time.

Quill pens remain popular writing tools among professional calligraphers, illustrators, and technical draftsmen due to their distinct style and look. Wedding invitations, personalized artwork and journals often use quill pens. Quills can easily be cleaned using water and cloth or gently brushed off for effortless cleaning, helping prevent drying out of their nibs and potential blockage of their nibs.

Inks

Before modern fountain and ballpoint pens were invented, quill pens were the go-to for most manuscript writing. Crafted from goose, turkey or crow feathers and using capillary action to draw ink to their tip, quills pens were an integral component in writing manuscripts for centuries.

Quill pens require delicate strokes in order to work effectively. Because these types of pens tend to bleed and smudge more frequently than other varieties, using high quality paper when writing with one is recommended.

Pigment inks with high saturation levels take longer to dry and can leave behind dye residue that builds up over time in your nib and feed, so it is wise to opt for more subdued pigment inks when writing with a quill pen. Diamine offers a selection of colors designed specifically to work with quill pens such as Black Licorice ink.

Techniques

Quill pens are used for creating both elegant and technical drawings with feather pens, producing varied strokes depending on angle and pressure applied to their feather tip. Inkwells are attached for storage of ink.

Goose feathers were traditionally the main material used for quill production; however, other large bird feathers such as those from swans, turkeys or crows can also be used. For optimal quills collection results during new growth period after molting.

To create a quill pen, begin by cutting a shallow cut along the base of each feather’s shaft (called the calamus). Next, make two slits down its center for ease in shaping it into a pen nib shape and trimming to either fine point or broad calligraphic strokes as desired.

Conclusions

Writing with quill pens and ink is an elegant, beautiful artform dating back to ancient Egypt. Today’s calligraphers and artists still appreciate its elegance, precision, and rich history.

Though quill pens are less popular than regular fountain pens, many find them attractive for their distinct look and feel. Just bear in mind that using one properly requires practice and care.

If you’re ready to try writing with a quill, I recommend purchasing a basic holder and pack of dip nibs – both can be found for under $10! These will last a long time if used on quality sketchbook paper to prevent ink bleeding and pilling.