Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Matt Hawthorne

The History of the Pen: How It All Started and What We Use Today

Have you ever wondered how the pen in your hand came to be? Let’s take a journey through time to discover the amazing history of the pen, from ancient times to the cool writing tools we use today.

The History of the Pen from Ancient Beginnings: Reed Pens 

A long, long time ago, around 3000 B.C., people in ancient Egypt used reed pens to write on papyrus, which is like old-school paper. These reed pens were made from the stems of plants that grew near the Nile River. Imagine using a plant to write your homework!

Medieval Times: Quills and Metal Nibs

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and people started using quills made from bird feathers. They would dip these feathers in ink and write. Pretty fancy, right? Later on, in the 1800s, someone had the bright idea to make pen tips out of metal. This made writing easier and the pens lasted longer.

The Fountain Pen: A Big Improvement

In the 19th century, a man named Lewis Waterman made a huge improvement by inventing the fountain pen. This pen had its own ink supply, so you didn’t have to dip it in ink all the time. It made writing a lot less messy and a lot more fun.

The Ballpoint Pen: A Modern Marvel

In the 1930s, Laszlo Biro came up with the ballpoint pen. This pen used a tiny ball bearing at the tip to spread ink smoothly on the paper. It was a game-changer because it didn’t smudge and worked perfectly for everyday use.

Cool New Pens: Gel Pens and Digital Styluses

The 20th century brought us even more awesome pens. Gel pens became popular because they came in lots of bright colours and wrote smoothly. And with the rise of technology, we now have digital styluses that let us write on tablets and phones. How cool is that?

Eco-Friendly Pens: Helping the Planet

Today, many companies are making eco-friendly pens from recycled materials. This helps reduce waste and protect the environment. So, next time you use a pen, you might be helping save the planet too!

Conclusion: Pens Through the Ages

From ancient reed pens to high-tech digital styluses, the pen has come a long way. At Nicholas Hemingway, we honor this amazing history by making beautiful, hand-built pens that combine the best of old and new. Check out our collection and find the perfect pen for your writing adventures.

For more cool pens, visit Nicholas Hemingway Pens.