What Fountain Pen Did Tolkien Use? Discover the Iconic Tool Behind His Masterpieces
J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of epic fantasy classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, had a unique love for the written word. One interesting aspect of Tolkien’s writing process was his choice of writing instruments. While we cannot pinpoint a specific make or model of fountain pen that Tolkien was known to exclusively use, we can explore the types of pens he favored throughout his life.
Tolkien was versatile when it came to writing implements, dabbling in different kinds of pens such as dip pens, fountain pens, and occasionally ballpoint pens. Although the exact details on the specific fountain pen used by Tolkien remain unknown, it is clear that he appreciated the art of writing with a fine tip. The image of Tolkien crafting his rich worlds and intricate languages with these timeless tools evokes a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the beauty of traditional writing techniques.
Fountain Pen and Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” was known to have used various types of pens during his writing career, including fountain pens. Although Tolkien often used dip pens and occasionally ballpoint pens, there isn’t concrete information about the specific make or model of the fountain pens he preferred.
It is probable that Tolkien wrote with a fountain pen when designing his iconic Elvish script. There is a video clip which shows Tolkien using a fountain pen to draw his logo, sparking curiosity among fans and enthusiasts.
In the absence of definitive evidence, several brands like Parker, Sheaffer, and Pelikan could be identified as possible candidates for Tolkien’s choice of fountain pens. As cartridges might not have been common during Tolkien’s time, it is likely that he used a fountain pen with an inkwell.
Fountain pens would have provided Tolkien with the precision and fluidity necessary for his intricate calligraphic art and manuscript writing. Though the exact type of fountain pen he used might remain a mystery, it’s clear that Tolkien’s creative process was heavily influenced by his preferred writing tools.
Heading into the next section, let’s dive deeper into another aspect of Tolkien’s writing journey.
Tolkien’s Preferred Writing Instruments
Fountain Pens
J.R.R. Tolkien was known to use a variety of writing instruments, including fountain pens. While it’s unclear which specific brand or model he favored, he can be seen using a fountain pen in various video clips and images, such as when drawing his ‘logo’ or writing Elvish script. It’s possible he may have used popular brands like Parker or Sheaffer, but there is no definitive information available. The type of nib he preferred is also unclear, although it may have been suited to his unique calligraphy style.
Dip Pens
Apart from fountain pens, dip pens appeared to be a prevalent choice for Tolkien. These pens require a separate inkwell and provide a more traditional writing experience compared to the fountain pen. The use of dip pens could have contributed to the elegance and precision of Tolkien’s handwriting and illustrations when crafting his world-famous stories.
Pencils
Over the years, Tolkien also used pencils to write and sketch as part of his creative process. While it’s not entirely clear which type or brand of pencil he preferred, it’s worth noting that pencils offer an easy-to-erase option for drafting and editing text. This could have played an essential role in Tolkien’s development of his intricate world filled with complex language systems and characters.
Typewriters
In addition to using pens and pencils, Tolkien sometimes relied on typewriters to compose his manuscripts. It’s uncertain which specific model or brand of typewriter he used, but it can be inferred that he would have used one that was widely available and popular during his time. The typewriter would have provided a faster and more efficient means to produce his manuscripts, particularly when working on larger projects like “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Now, let’s move on to the legacy of Tolkien’s works and the impact they continue to have on literary and popular culture.
The Conklin Crescent Filler
Brief History
The Conklin Crescent Filler fountain pen is a classic writing instrument with a rich history. Developed in 1898 and patented by Roy Conklin in 1901, it was one of the first self-filling fountain pens. This innovative design gained a lot of traction, with extensive marketing efforts starting in 1904.
In fact, J.R.R. Tolkien is known to have used a fountain pen while drawing his logo. While it’s not explicitly confirmed that he used a Conklin Crescent Filler, it is certainly a possibility considering the pen’s prominence during his time.
Features
The Conklin Crescent Filler is quite unique in its design, consisting of a hump and a rotating ring in the middle of the hump. Its mechanism is simple yet effective, employing a brass filling-tab, rubber ink-sac, and hard-rubber locking-ring. Overall, the pen is a symbol of innovation and vintage aesthetics, making it highly sought after by collectors.
As we continue exploring the fascinating world of fountain pens, let’s delve into more details about their intricacies and heritage.
Parker 51
The Parker 51 is a popular and iconic fountain pen model that has been widely used throughout the years. This pen, known for its sleek design and innovative features, has a history of significant usage, including being used to sign documents marking Germany’s surrender in World War 2. It has also been noted that Queen Elizabeth II preferred the Parker 51 for her personal correspondence at one point in time.
This pen, developed in 1939, during the company’s 51st year in business, went on sale in 1941. The Parker 51 was designed to be visually appealing while maintaining a modern feel. One of its notable features is its prodigious ability to trap ink, making the pen a slow-to-empty writing instrument.
The Parker 51 has been around for quite some time now, going through various alterations and revivals. In fact, the pen’s design and functionality have evolved over the years since its introduction. It’s not only known for its aesthetic appearance but also for the unique ink formulation that it was initially created with.
The association with J.R.R. Tolkien is yet unconfirmed. However, it is known that the Parker 51 is an iconic and potentially influential pen in the world of writing. This pen has left a permanent mark on history, making it a point of interest for authors and pen enthusiasts alike. Moving forward, we will explore other aspects of fountain pens and their impact on famous authors.
Nibs Used by Tolkien
Materials
J.R.R. Tolkien, best known for his work on The Lord of the Rings, predominantly used fountain pens when creating his various manuscripts and drawings. While it’s not explicitly stated which specific brand of pen he favored, the materials used in fountain pen nibs during his time were primarily steel, gold, and other precious metals. Steel pens were more affordable and widely available, whereas gold and other precious metal nibs were reserved for higher-end writing instruments.
Styles
Given Tolkien’s intricate Elvish script and his attention to line variation, it is likely that he employed a range of nib styles in his writing, including fine, medium, and possibly flexible nibs. Fine and medium nibs would have been suitable for everyday writing, while the use of a flex nib would allow for the elegant flourishes and varying line widths seen in his Elvish calligraphy.
A flex nib works by allowing the tines to spread with applied pressure, creating varying line widths that add character and artistry to the written words. Tolkien may have also utilized stub or italic nibs, which create line variation based on their angle relative to the paper rather than by applying pressure, making them well-suited for scriptwriting that demands consistent stroke widths.
In summary, J.R.R. Tolkien likely used a range of nib materials and styles in his work. While we can’t definitively identify specific pens or brands, we can appreciate the attention to detail he put into his writing using the tools available at this time. This understanding of Tolkien’s use of fountain pens and nibs helps us better appreciate the craftsmanship behind his legendary literary works.
Ink Preferences
When it comes to J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing habits, the available information we have suggests that he had a particular preference for fountain pens as his primary writing instrument. He would often start his drafts using a pencil and then go over the pencil with blue ink to create a final, neat version of the text.
The choice of using blue ink is significant, as it demonstrates Tolkien’s unique style and attention to detail when writing his now world-famous stories. Blue ink is often associated with creativity, imagination, and clear communication, which perfectly embodies the spirit of Tolkien’s works.
Tolkien’s fondness for fountain pens extended beyond writing his literature, as he was known to use them for crosswords and illustrations as well. Although the exact make and model of his preferred fountain pen is not clear, it is evident that the way he wrote has left a lasting impression on his readers.
So what can we say about Tolkien’s ink preferences? It seems that blue ink and a trusty fountain pen were his go-to choices for bringing Middle-earth and its inhabitants to life on paper. With these tools in hand, Tolkien crafted some of the most iconic and mesmerizing stories of our time. As we move on, it’s fascinating to ponder the connection between a simple fountain pen and the imaginative worlds crafted by this legendary author.
Elvish Script Handwriting
Elvish script, specifically the Tengwar script, is one of the artificial scripts created by J. R. R. Tolkien for his famous Middle-earth universe. In the fictional world, this script was invented by the Elf Fëanor and was primarily used to write the Elven languages, Quenya and Telerin1.
Tolkien’s own handwriting while writing the Elvish script was described as idiosyncratic, and understanding the intricacies of his handwriting can be a great help in interpreting any of his hastily-written Elvish words2. Tolkien was known to use a fountain pen for writing, and even famously drew his ‘logo’ with one, which sparked interest in writing tools, particularly fountain pens3.
While there isn’t a definitive source on the type of fountain pen or nib Tolkien used, there is a video clip showing him using a fine to medium nib4 for his Elvish script, which suited the delicate and intricate nature of the characters in the Tengwar script. It can be assumed that Tolkien’s pen of choice would have allowed for varying line widths, as needed for writing in the Elvish script style.
Learning to write in Elvish script can be a pleasurable experience for calligraphy enthusiasts and Lord of the Rings fans alike. The intricate curves and lines of the script make it a visually appealing and unique aspect of the Middle-earth universe. Furthermore, writing Elvish script with a fountain pen adds a historical touch that resonates with the grandeur of the stories and the timelessness of Tolkien’s creations.
As we progress, we will explore more about fountain pens and calligraphy techniques related to the Elvish script handwriting.
Impact and Community
J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” has had a significant impact on the fountain pen community. His use of writing instruments, mainly dip pens and occasionally fountain pens, has inspired numerous enthusiasts, regardless of whether they are a novice or an experienced collector.
These enthusiasts have found common ground online, forming communities on platforms like Discord servers and Reddit. A great example would be the r/fountainpens subreddit, which welcomes people who share a love for fountain pens, elvish writing, and Tolkien. Collaboratively, the community discusses and strives to discover the specific fountain pens Tolkien might have used, enriching the entire experience for all.
Given the changes in the Reddit API, it’s easier now for newcomers to interact with the community and learn more about fountain pens, their history, and various types of writing tools used by literary legends like Tolkien. This has also encouraged the growth of vibrant discussions about the importance of writing and the impact of literature on modern society.
While there have been no major protests or controversies involving Tolkien and fountain pens, the interest in his choice of writing instrument remains a point of fascination and passion among members of the fountain pen community. This curiosity connects people across the world, fostering new friendships and creating a global network of Tolkien fans and pen enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, the impact of Tolkien’s writing habits on the fountain pen community is profound, as it continues to spark conversations and connections among like-minded individuals. This vibrant community thrives on sharing their collective love for the written word and the writing tools that brought some of the most beloved stories to life.
Pen Materials and Features
Internal Reservoir
J. R. R. Tolkien used a fountain pen, a writing instrument that has a metal nib and an internal reservoir to hold ink. This design eliminates the need to repeatedly dip the pen in an inkwell during use. A fountain pen’s internal reservoir is typically filled with water-based ink, which flows through a feed to the nib.
Feed
The feed is a crucial part of a fountain pen, as it controls the flow of ink from the reservoir to the nib. The feed usually consists of a series of narrow channels and fins that regulate the amount of ink reaching the nib. This enables smooth and consistent writing on paper. While the specific make and model of Tolkien’s pen remains unknown, it likely featured a standard feed system.
Versatility
Fountain pens are known for their versatility, offering different nib types that cater to various writing styles. It is suggested that Tolkien’s pen had an italic nib, which is sharp and suitable for calligraphy. The sizing of italic nibs is generally in millimeters, ranging from 1mm-2mm. This type of nib allowed Tolkien to produce the beautiful Elvish script seen in his works.
By using a fountain pen, Tolkien experienced the benefits of its internal ink reservoir, feed system, and versatile nib options. These features provided him with a smooth and enjoyable writing experience as he brought Middle-earth to life on paper.