The Journal

The creation of the pen has essentially facilitated the very basis of our civilisation. It is through writing that we have been able to create, share, and learn.

Pens have made it possible to retain and communicate knowledge and information and create works of art. The writings of Shakespeare and Milton wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have the tools to somehow immortalise them physically.

Today, there’s so much choice when it comes to pens. But how did it all start? We’ve taken a look at the history and evolution of the pen.

WHO INVENTED THE PEN?

There are several different answers to this question because of the varying types of pens there are available in the 21st century.

However, the first people to invent the pen as a basic tool to write were the ancient Egyptians. The oldest piece of writing on papyrus dates back to 2000 BC. This evidence suggests that they were the first to create a tool that allowed them to make their language tangible and permanent.  

To answer the question in more depth and address each particular invention, we’ve put together an in depth timeline of the pen’s evolution:

PEN TIMELINE

2000 BC: EGYPTIAN REED PEN

To write upon parchment and papyrus, the Egyptians created a reed pen. These early pens were fashioned from the hollow, tubular stems of marsh grasses - especially bamboo plant.

One end of this tool was cut into the shape of a pen nib or point and then the reed’s stem was filled with a writing fluid that would flow down to the nib when squeezed.

600 AD: QUILL PEN

Of all the writing instruments, the quill pen was in use for the longest period of history - from 7th to the 19th century. Europeans used bird feathers to produce this tool; the best feathers were those taken from living swans, turkeys and geese.

These feathers were then dried with a gentle heat to remove any oils that may interfere with the ink. Next, the end of the feather must be shaped and sharpened with a knife. This was then dipped into an inkwell to fill the hollow shaft of the feather that acts as a reservoir.

These ink pens were durable, but had to be sharpened often. To do this, the writer needed a specific knife, which is where the term "pen-knife" originated. This type of pen actually also changed the way that people wrote. At first, language was written using all capital letters, but as the pen became smoother to use, they developed faster styles, more decorative styles of handwriting with smaller letters.

Source: William Zhang

1822: STEEL-POINT PEN

The reign of the quill ended when John Mitchell from Birmingham began developing a machine-made steel-point pens on a mass scale.

These were still ink pens and functioned in the same way as quill, needing to be dipped into ink, but were sturdier and much less expensive. Their popularity took off and historians believe that by the 1850s half of all dip pens were made in Birmingham. Even the development of education and literacy can be attributed these more accessible writing instruments. 

Although this was the point of mass production and popularity for the steel-point pen, archaeologists have discovered metal nibs in Ancient Egypt and bronze pen points in the ruins of Pompeii, dating them back to around year 79.

1827: FOUNTAIN PEN

Frustration is the real mother of invention, and that is precisely how the fountain pen came about. The inconvenience of having to keep dipping a pen to replenish its ink supply fuelled the creation of the fountain pen, which holds in a reservoir and passes it through to the nib.

It was first Petrache Poenaru, a Romanian inventor, who received a patent for the invention of the very first fountain pen with an ink barrel in 1827. However, the design was never perfected and had major flaws: the flow of ink was not regulated and resulted in either no ink at all or blotting

It was in 1884 that Lewis Edson Waterman developed and gained a patent for the three-channel ink feed fountain pen. The design ensured a smooth flow of ink during writing, and revolutionised the pen into a portable tool.

Throughout the 20th century, the design underwent a number of innovations, including the use of a replaceable and refillable ink cartridge and range of plastic, metal and wooden fountain pens.

1888: BALLPOINT PEN HISTORY

The ballpoint pen was a turning point in the evolution of the pen that takes us up to modern day. It was a durable, more convenient writing pen that could write on surfaces such a wood, cardboard and even underwater. At that time during the 19th century, this was a revelation that essentially ended the era of ink writing.

Now the most popular and widely used pen, the ball pen has an interesting history that is first linked to American inventor John H. Loud. Loud received a patent - one of many during the development stages - but yet the design never actually produced a satisfactory flow of ink for the writer.

It was not until a couple of decades later in the 1930s that another attempt at the ballpoint pen is made by Lazlo Biro, a Hungarian journalist living in Argentina during World War II.

As a journalist, he was all too familiar with the annoyance of ink smudging on paper. He came up with the idea to use quick-drying ink instead of the usual India ink and to introduce a small metal ball that rotated. The ball would work to keep the writing pen from drying out and would distribute the ink smoothly.

In 1943, Lazlo and his brother Georg, a chemist, were granted a new patent. They went on to make their first commercial models: the Biro pens - now a household name that has become synonymous with ballpoint pen. The British government would then go on to buy the rights for the pens so they could be used by Royal Air Force crews. They favoured the ball pen since it was a sturdier and could write at high altitudes unlike the fountain pen that would flood under such conditions. The Biro was so successful in the RAF that they became widely used by the military, which brought it to the level of popularity it still has today.

Different Types of Pens

Since these key breakthrough in pen design, each continues to be modified.

For example, the rollerball was only invented by the 1980s by Japanese company Ohto. The rollerball pen is the same design as the ballpoint pen, but instead utilises water or gel-based liquid ink that provides a writing style very similar to the fountain pen.

Fountain pens continue to be used and admired, although these refillable ink pens are often seen a collectors’ items. Some of the most expensive fountain pen ink can cost around £30, but the most expensive fountain pens are around £100,000 - not the sort of thing you want to take to work just for Sarah in HR to accidentally nick it…

Other developments include the modern felt-tipped pen which was developed by the Yukio Hore. These pens are used in many creative environments and renowned for their ability to write on many different surface - these have even been developed into permanent markers or suitable for specific surfaces like CDs.

Even in the era of technology, the pen remains a crucial tool within our society. The act of writing has formed a very unique part of our culture and humanity. The wide range of pens continues to be used in many different facets of life, from the business person to creatives alike.

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Stationery - Bookmarks, Clips, Scissors, Storage, Stickers, Rulers

Writing - Pencils, Ballpoints, Fountain Pens, Gel Pens, Multicolors 

Paper - Address Books, Diaries, Letter Writing, Books and Prints

The invention of paper revolutionised society. We use paper to create bank notes, newspapers, bandages, books; even if we don’t always notice it, it’s an integral part of our everyday lives. 

So, what are the origins of the invention of papermaking that changed civilisation so drastically? This versatile material has an in depth and fascinating history that goes back as far as the 2nd century.

We go right to the beginning of this creation to find out more about how it became one of humankind’s most important inventions.

WHO INVENTED PAPER?

It’s difficult to give one answer to this question since the invention of paper has been influenced in so many ways to produce the final product we have today.

The word ‘paper’ derives from the Ancient Egyptian writing material called papyrus, which was woven from the stems of the papyrus plant. This material was being produced in Egypt and Greece as early as 3000 BC.

However, many define the origins of standardised, mass-produced paper to China in 105 AD.

For a more thorough answer and look at the evolution of paper, we’ve created a timeline following its key developments.

PAPER TIMELINE

PRE 105 AD: PRIMITIVE WRITING MATERIALS

Writing was established long before the invention of paper, so humans had to find materials to either carve into or apply ink onto.

Natural resources such as clay, silk, wood, stone and leather were utilised. The Egyptians also used parchment paper. This was made from animal skins, usually sheep or cow. The skin was soaked the skin in water with chalk or flour and then salt was added to give it a smooth surface to write on.

However, in China, many early writings were scribed on long strips of bamboo with ink that was then bound together to make books.

Source: Peter Griffins

105 AD: CHINA’S STANDARDISED PAPER

Although these primitive writing materials existed, they weren’t the most convenient solution. These were often very heavy or, in the case of silk, very expensive.

It was in 2nd century China that Ts’ai Lun, a Chinese court official of the Han Dynasty, documented the first modern method of papermaking in China. It seems Ts'ai Lun made the paper by mixing finely chopped mulberry bark and cotton/hemp rags with water, mashing it flat, and pressing out the water and drying it in the sun.

Over time, these papermakers experimented and produced a number of different types of paper: sized, coated and dyed. These developments significantly helped China advance as a country. By the 10th century,  the Chinese had introduced paper money to their monetary system.

Because of China’s secrecy over their production techniques, other countries throughout Central Asia and the Middle East began didn’t begin setting up paper mills until around the 600 ADs.

13TH CENTURY: EUROPEAN PAPER

Eventually, the papermaking in China arrived in Europe. Italy invested the most within the industry and actually implemented improvements upon the Arabian technique they’d learned from.

It’s believed that when Italian traveller Marco Polo came back from his exploration in China, he reported their ingenious paper currency. This caught on in some European countries such as Spain who began using paper notes in 1483.

17TH & 18TH CENTURY: INNOVATION & WHITE PAPER

The Europeans’ papermaking technology significantly advanced throughout these two centuries. More mechanical solutions were being introduced to replace hand and manual labour, such as Nicolas-Louis Robert’s flat-screen papermaking machine.

Robert’s design was further developed in England, and his invention became the core of the Fourdrinier machine: the basis for modern papermaking today.

To add to the innovations, Claude-Louis Bertholett, a French chemist, invented the chemical bleaching of pulp in 1785. This produced the level of white paper that is widely used today. It’s most likely that the French Revolutionaries were the first to use such white paper.

However, with this rise in technology and the qualities of paper came an increase in demand. This lead to a shortage in cotton rags, the key material in the process. Laws and regulations were introduced to try and govern the trade of rags.

Source: University of Iowa

19TH CENTURY: WOOD-BASED PAPER

A quest to replace cotton rags with a substitute raw material began in Europe. Different materials were tested, such as straw. However, often quality concerns would arise - nothing seemed to produce the same consistency. 

Then, in 1843, Saxon Friedrich Gottlob Keller invented a wood-grinding machine that produced groundwood pulp ideal for papermaking. Soon after in 1854, Hugh Burgers and Charles Watts invented an alternative way to turn this wood into pulp: chemical pulping.

19TH & 20TH CENTURY: INDUSTRIALISATION OF PAPER PRODUCTION

With the success of the groundwood pulp, it became the leading raw material for papermaking. The paper industry began to develop industrial plants that specifically produce wood-based paper on an industrial scale to meet the growing demand. 

The innovation in mechanical papermaking processes increased drastically throughout the 19th and 20th  century. Eventually, it became entirely automated. Everything from the prep, pulping to the drying and packaging. The process had increased in speed, productivity and qualities of paper.

This level of innovation lead to more specialised types of paper grades, for example, lightweight coated papers for magazines, flyers, vouchers.

21ST CENTURY: NEW POSSIBILITIES

Today, the paper industry continues to grow and show new possibilities and applications.

So far, the 21st century technology has allowed us to do things like invent paper that can display whether a product is past its sell-by-date by changing colour or produce batteries from paper.

With the contemporary environmental concerns, paper companies are becoming increasingly aware about their impacts. New technology is being developed and invested in to reduce energy consumption from paper mills and generate biofuels.

Source: Ben Kerckx

HOW PAPER IS PRODUCED

After centuries of streamlining the process, the modern day paper production now consists of the following steps:

LOGGING, STRIPPING & CHIPPING

The process starts with industrial quantities of tree trunks and logs are harvested. This wood is then put through a stripping machine that removes their bark. The wood is then ready to go into a chipping unit, which shreds it down into small strips.

PULPING & DE-MULCHING

These small strips are then loaded into a large pressure boiler. When the strips is boiled with the large quantities of water it works to produce a paper pulp. The pulp is then de-mulched: water is removed from the pulp with a mesh screen.

DRYING & PRESSING

The product of the de-mulching is a raw fibrous paper layer, which is then passed through several drying cylinders to solidify its structure. After the drying process, the paper is put through a pressing unit. The weight of it works to equalise its surface texture and produce the desired thickness.

TREATING

To end the process, the paper is treated with a starch solution or special chemicals to give a specific colour, texture, strength or resistance. The starch solution works to seal the surface of the paper to prevent excessive ink absorption during printing and writing.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER

Today, paper is used in so many different capacities. Diaries and notebooks still play a huge role in this electronic era. We still receive many of our documents in letters delivered to our doors, we gain certificates on high quality cotton linen paper and decorate gifts in wrapping paper.  

What’s more, we’re finding new ways to use paper, like housing insulation can now be made from recycled paper. The paper is treated to be fire retardant, eliminating any health and safety risks and showing how far we’ve progressed in paper technology. 

The invention of paper completely revolutionised first the Asian, then Western societies. Paper will remain a huge part of our everyday lives, but in a more planet friendly capacity with the help of recycling.

Despite being surrounded by technology, there’s just something a bit more special and meaningful about writing a thank you letter or sending a wedding invitation...

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Stationary - Bookmarks, Clips, Scissors, Storage, Stickers, Rulers

Writing - Pencils, Ballpoints, Fountain Pens, Gel Pens, Multicolors 

Paper - Address Books, Diaries, Letter Writing, Books and Prints

In a festive rush to find the perfect present for that difficult someone? We’ve selected our favourites for those who love everything stationery.

Finishing your Christmas list can be hard work, so we’re sure there are still a few names that need crossing off. If you find yourself shopping in the lead up to Christmas, keep reading our gift guide for last minute snazzy presents that will suit any stationery fan.

THE FOUNTAIN PEN LOVER

Showcase beautiful handwriting with effortless charm: the Kaweco Perkeo Fountain Pen is the perfect pen for any fan of the traditional stylus. Both the fine and medium nibs have an appealing spring to them, with a wonderful potential for beautiful handwriting.

Available in four different colours, from blonde to bold, this sleek fountain pen is an ideal gift for any burgeoning writer. Featuring an unusual, but incredibly comfortable, ergonomic triangular grip, this luxury pen will suit jotting down notes or practising calligraphy. Lightweight and hard-wearing, this is an affordable fountain that has been built to last.

THE DESIGN AFICIONADO

A bespoke accessory for the design obsessed, this solid organiser embodies industrial chic. The Danzo Landscape Organiser Hill has varying levels that act as a convenient holding place for design equipment or to artfully display personal jewellery, making it the perfect fit for studios and bedrooms, homes or the workplace.

Made from authentic aluminium alloy, and left in its original raw state, this useful little accessory can be purchased in rustic metallic or one of four matte pastel shades. Charmingly vintage without losing its industrialised core, this is an interior statement piece that would make a wonderful gift for any creative or stationery addict.

THE VINTAGE ENTHUSIAST

Crafted in one of the historical districts of Tokyo, this elegant pen is made of high-quality brass for a luxury finish. At the heart of vintage glamour, the Traveler’s Company Brass Pen may begin glaringly new but the colour will develop into the characteristic vintage warmth associated with brass. With a smooth writing tip, this is a pen to use with ease.

The Traveler’s Company has designed this writing instrument to be ultra-portable, with a ring on the top of the pen to be used as a keyring or to customise with accessories. Refills make sure that this pen will last the test of time, aging gracefully into a timeless gift.

THE BUDDING JOURNALER

Keep work safe and secure, whilst still handsomely presented, with the CIAK Medium Ruled Notebook. This classic notebook is not only durable but water resistant, so your scribbles and scratchings will survive the winter weather. Find an innovative horizontal band wound closely around the notebook, a CIAK signature, removing the need for a separate pen loop as a practical finishing touch.

This is a soft cover notebook made with eco-friendly acid-free recycled ruled ivory paper, flexible enough in which to write on the go. If pink doesn’t tickle your fancy (or won’t appeal to the recipient), this robust notebook is also available in a variety of bold colours.

THE SCRAPBOOK EXPERT

Any creative person will appreciate this adorable selection of sticker sheets with a variety of colourful illustrations. The Iconic Diary Deco Pack V.7 comes complete with characters, patterns, spots, numbers and cute little icons to suit all styles. The ultimate customisation tool, stickers make an unexpected, fun gift for those who enjoy capturing memories in an imaginative format.

With nine sheets in total, there’s bound to be a sticker for every occasion, perfect to showcase your personal style and accessorize  journals and diaries, as well as iconic scrapbooks and photo albums. Pop these in a desk draw as a secret surprise.

THE WORKAHOLIC

This is the planner to beat all others. The Hobonichi Techo Planner 2018 is a compact A6 size diary ready to support demanding lifestyles. This planner comes in elegant black with a weathered effect and gold embossed Japanese characters. An ideal gift for anyone interested in Japanese culture, you’ll also find pages on Japanese history, holidays and folk tales pinned inside.

This is a thick planner that has been carefully designed to aid in organisation. Laid out as a week to two pages, each spread features an inspirational quote, with each month sporting blank pages for jotting down quick notes and separate monthly calendars. Stick to that new year's resolution and be more productive with a chic start to the year.

STATIONERY STOCKING FILLERS

Looking to fill up those stockings? We’ve selected a few little gifts that are guaranteed to put a smile on their face come Christmas morning.

These adorable Midori Whale D-Clips are a practical gift with a fun twist. In a classic, cute design, with a trusty pocket-sized case, these d-clips are one of our most popular products for a reason. If you’ve got a friend who’s always in need of paperclips, you can be sure they won’t lose these ones.

Go for gold and keep up the festive spirit with MT Masking Tape in a glamorous sheen. Ideal for use in scrapbooks and arts projects, this fashionable washi tape embodies the season, perfect to decorate yuletide snapshots. A stylish stationery staple, this is one accessory we’re hoping for in our stocking.

If you’re shopping for the travel-obsessed, why not remind them of their fabulous adventures with a beautiful reading helper. This Hightide Bookmark features the iconic Eiffel Tower, reminiscent of wandering through the Louvre and strolling alongside the Seine. Have a friend off to the City of Lights in the New Year? This is a thoughtful anticipatory gift.

Buying a present for someone especially tricky? Browse our full festive collection of stationery goodies for a wealth of options.

Merry Christmas!

Shop Our Brand:

Stationary - Bookmarks, Clips, Scissors, Storage, Stickers, Rulers

Writing - Pencils, Ballpoints, Fountain Pens, Gel Pens, Multicolors 

Paper - Address Books, Diaries, Letter Writing, Books and Prints