Stationery Guide

A history of stationery

In the intricate tapestry of British history, Stationery holds a distinct thread of its own. Its journey is one that mirrors the nations evolution in communication, trade, and artistry.

The origins of stationery in the British Isles can be traced back to the medieval monasteries. Monks and Manuscripts formed an inseparable pair. Parchment, made from animal skins, served as the primary writing surface. These monastic scribes, armed with quills and inks made from plant dyes and minerals, meticulously copied religious texts, preserving knowledge for generations.

As the Middle Ages waned, the Rise of Paper commenced. The technique, originally from China, found its way to the British shores via the Islamic world and Spain. By the 15th century, England began establishing its paper mills, with the first believed to be set up in Hertfordshire around 1490.

The Printing Revolution in the 16th century, ushered in by the Gutenberg press, transformed stationerys role in society. The demand for paper surged. Alongside, the art of calligraphy flourished, elevating personal letters to visual masterpieces. Ink wells, quills, and sandboxes became staples in households of the learned.

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, mass production became feasible. The 19th century saw the proliferation of stationery shops, making writing materials more accessible to the common British citizen. The Penny Post system, introduced in 1840, revolutionised communication, further embedding the culture of written correspondence.

The Victorian Era brought with it a certain sophistication in stationery. Bespoke letterheads, embossed envelopes, and personalised note cards became symbols of status. Additionally, innovations such as the steel-nibbed pen and later, the fountain pen, made writing smoother and more efficient.

During the two World Wars, stationery played an unsung yet vital role. Letters from the Front connected soldiers in foreign lands with their families, serving as lifelines of hope and love. Rationing during these periods, however, did affect the quality and quantity of available materials.

The latter half of the 20th century, while celebrating modernity, also saw a revival in the appreciation for traditional stationery. The Craft Movement of the 70s and 80s championed handmade papers, artisanal inks, and bespoke designs. The British, ever valuing tradition, kept the flame of classic stationery alive, even in the face of burgeoning digital communication.

Today, in an age of emails and instant messages, the allure of stationery remains undiminished in the UK. Stationery is not just about function its an experience. Writing on a crisp piece of parchment, sealing an envelope with wax, or selecting a beautifully crafted pen, connects one with centuries of British history, culture, and artistry.

This enduring legacy of stationery serves as a testament to the UKs unwavering love for the tangible, the crafted, and the timeless.

Tools of the stationery trade

1. Quill Pens: Crafted from the primary feathers of large birds, these were the principal writing instruments for centuries. Scholars and scribes would dip them in ink to transcribe manuscripts or pen personal correspondences.

2. Parchment: Predating paper, parchment, processed from animal skins, was a coveted writing surface. Medieval monasteries favoured it for religious scripts and official decrees.

3. Ink Wells: These containers, often ornate, held the ink for dipping pens. They were ubiquitous on the desks of Victorian writers and officials.

4. Blotting Paper: A staple in the Victorian writing set, this absorbent paper was pressed onto wet ink to hasten drying, ensuring no smudging occurred.

5. Wax and Seal: To authenticate and secure letters, melted wax was dripped onto the envelope flap and stamped with a personalised metal or wooden seal, imprinting it with a unique emblem or initial.

6. Sandbox: Before the advent of blotting paper, a sandbox would sprinkle fine sand over fresh ink to expedite drying and prevent smears.

7. Steel-nibbed Pens: Replacing quills in the 19th century, these pens, made of metal nibs attached to wooden or bone handles, offered more durability and a consistent writing experience.

8. Dip Pens: A pre to the modern fountain pen, the dip pen required regular immersion in ink but provided finer control, favoured by artists and illustrators.

9. Ledger Books: Used predominantly in businesses and trade, these hard-bound books recorded financial transactions, inventory lists, and other essential data.

10. Letterpress: A traditional printing technique, the letterpress imprinted text or designs on paper by pressing an inked surface against it. This method was vital for creating invitations, business cards, and other formal documents.

11. Carbon Paper: Before photocopying and digital scanning, carbon paper was placed between two sheets, transferring the impression from the top sheet to the one below, thus producing duplicates.

12. Rulers and Set Squares: Essential for architects, draughtsmen, and students, these tools ensured precision in drawing lines and angles on paper.

From the hallowed halls of academia to the bustling streets of commerce, these traditional tools have etched, drawn, and sealed the narrative of Britains written legacy. Their usage, while perhaps now more nostalgic than routine, remains a testament to the nations enduring passion for stationery.

Materials used in stationery

1. Cotton: This soft, white fibre has been spun into thread and woven to create robust, high-quality paper. Example: Letterpress invitations often utilise cotton paper due to its textured finish and durability.

2. Flax: The fibres from this plant form the basis of linen paper. Example: Linen writing paper, favoured for its elegant texture and superior writing quality.

3. Parchment and Vellum: Both derived from animal skins, these materials were the primary mediums for writing before the widespread use of paper. Example: Historic manuscripts and official decrees were traditionally penned on parchment.

4. Wax: Sourced from bees or plants, wax is utilised for sealing letters and documents. Example: Wax seals that are stamped onto an envelope, adding a touch of personalisation and authenticity.

5. Wood: Wood pulp forms the basis for many types of paper, while solid wood can be crafted into writing instruments or stationery accessories. Example: Pine or cedar wood is often used to craft pencil casings.

6. Bamboo: An eco-friendly alternative, bamboo pulp is increasingly being used to craft sustainable paper products. Example: Bamboo notebooks or sketchbooks that cater to the eco-conscious customer.

7. Plant Fibres and Petals: Various plant fibres and petals are sometimes incorporated into paper to give texture and visual appeal. Example: Handmade paper embedded with lavender petals or grass fibres, often used for artisanal greeting cards.

8. Seaweed: Sourced from the abundant British coastline, seaweed can be incorporated into paper for a unique texture. Example: Seaweed-infused paper used for crafting maritime-themed invitations or notes.

9. Feathers: Before the advent of modern pens, bird feathers, especially from geese, were crafted into quills for writing. Example: Quill pens dipped in ink, favoured by historical figures like William Shakespeare.

10. Clay: A more niche material, clay can be moulded and dried to form writing accessories. Example: Clay pen holders or desk organisers, often decorated with natural motifs.

11. Gum Arabic: Extracted from the acacia tree, this natural gum acts as a binder in watercolour paints and inks. Example: Calligraphy inks or artist-grade watercolours.

These natural materials, rooted deeply in the British landscape and history, underline the enduring bond between nature and the art of written communication. Handmade stationery crafted from these elements carries with it a touch of tradition, sustainability, and authenticity, making each piece truly special.