The glass pen: a magical tool to enhance your writing You've probably seen this strange glass instrument, halfway between a pen and a magic wand... Perhaps you've seen it in a stationery store? In any case, if you're intrigued, this article is for you. What is a glass nib? Contrary to popular belief, the glass pen is not a fragile object intended solely for collectors. It is a versatile writing tool, made from blown glass. Its tip is formed from a set of glass threads, often twisted, between which the ink rises by capillarity. This type of pen would have been particularly fashionable in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. As always, choosing the right, quality materials is essential to successfully learning glass nib calligraphy. There are many different shapes of glass nibs, but this usually doesn't change the tip shape. Choose the one that appeals to you best in terms of design! Make sure you choose a fairly fluid ink that doesn't dry out too quickly. Personally, I prefer fountain pen inks (I really like those from Jacques Herbin) or watercolor inks (like Colorex). Finally, I advise you to use a very smooth paper, which will allow the nib to glide comfortably and will not absorb too much of your ink. How does a glass pen work? The principle of these glass pens is to capture the ink in their small "grooves", which allows you to write several lines without having to refill. Its use is very simple: Gently dip the nib into the ink Remove excess ink from the rim of the inkwell Write! Don't hesitate to draw lines and oval shapes to warm up and get used to the instrument. ✉️ Once finished, clean the nib in cold or lukewarm water and store it in its case or in a pot, point upwards, to avoid damaging it. The advantages and disadvantages of the glass pen The +: A beautiful and decorative design Pleasant to use, fluid and light Good writing autonomy between two soaks The −: Hard tip: no thick or thin strokes (monoline or false calligraphy) Fragility of glass: be careful of shocks or falls When to use a glass nib? Its use is varied. Personally, I use it for: ✍️ Write an elegant handwritten letter 🎁 Create a card with illustrations 💼 Create personalized labels or place cards A poetic, practical and inspiring tool, ideal for anyone who wants to restore meaning to the act of writing. To explore our selection of glass nibs, handcrafted inks, and premium papers: 🔗 Hieroglyphes.fr ✨ Enhance your words with a gesture from yesteryear.

Laurie Henry Long overlooked, the contribution of women to the copying of medieval manuscripts has proven to be far more extensive than previously thought. Analysis of colophons attests to a continued and significant female presence, suggesting the existence of little-known female scriptural networks and the need to revisit traditional models of knowledge dissemination in the Middle Ages. For centuries, medieval manuscripts were perceived as the exclusive product of the work of monks, copyists, secluded in their scriptoria. This deeply rooted image has long overshadowed other realities of the medieval literary world. However, a recent study conducted by an interdisciplinary team from the University of Bergen (Norway) is challenging this vision. Published in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications , it reveals that women also played a concrete role in manuscript production between 800 and 1626. By analyzing nearly 24,000 colophons from manuscripts held in institutional collections, the researchers identified hundreds of cases attributable to female scribes. This rigorous research questions the visibility of women in the history of writing and forces us to rethink the social and cultural organization of knowledge production in the Middle Ages. A pioneering investigation into colophons Colophons are annotations written by scribes at the end of manuscripts. They served as a signature or manufacturer's mark. Although often brief, these texts can contain a wealth of information. They often contain the name of the copyist, the date and place of copying, and the identity of the commissioner. They sometimes also contain a prayer, a personal comment, or a mention of religious affiliation. These colophons are therefore a valuable tool for researchers attempting to reconstruct the production conditions of medieval manuscripts. In their study, researchers from the University of Bergen used the vast Catalogue of Benedictine Colophons , published between 1965 and 1982. It lists 23,774 colophons from manuscripts held in European institutional collections. The team carried out a systematic reading of these texts, looking for explicit feminine indicators. They were looking in particular for Latin terms such as scriptrix Or soror , or even identifiable women's names. This work identified 254 colophons unambiguously attributable to women, representing 1.1% of the total. This modest rate reflects a conservative methodological choice. Only certain cases were retained. However, this proportion applied to overall estimates of manuscript production allows us to conclude that at least 110,000 manuscripts were copied by women between the 9th and 17th centuries. Women: a continuous, but invisible presence The study thus reveals a constant female participation in medieval manuscript production, although largely overlooked. Far from being limited to a few famous female scriptoria, women's activity was long-term, spanning several centuries and in varied contexts. Analysis of colophons shows that women regularly copied manuscripts from the 9th century onward. However, their visibility remains very limited in the sources. From the 15th century onwards, there was a marked increase in colophons written by women. This progression coincided with the development of texts in vernacular languages. In other words, in local languages ​​rather than Latin. This evolution of the book market seems to have opened up new opportunities for women, particularly in less strictly cloistered religious circles or in secular literary circles. But this visibility remains partial. Many women copyists probably never signed their works, either by convention or social constraint. In other cases, they may have used neutral or masculine formulas to mask their identity. The fact that some names appear only in the margins or in secondary annotations prevents their detection in analyses based solely on colophons. This invisibility is not insignificant. It reflects deep inequalities in access to recognition for intellectual work. It also serves as a reminder that current research tools, while rigorous, remain dependent on the nature and limitations of available sources. Women who are shaking up historical research The results of this study force historians to reconsider the circuits of knowledge production and dissemination in the Middle Ages. Indeed, the recorded female scriptoria, such as that of Chelles Abbey, remain too few in number to explain the scale of manuscripts copied by women. In fact, there are other workplaces, now invisible or forgotten. These women may have worked outside of traditional religious structures. One can imagine urban workshops, bourgeois homes, or within small literate communities. The traditional model centered on scribe-monks is no longer sufficient to account for the complexity of the medieval landscape of handwritten copying. This requires a rereading of available sources and an openness to documents previously considered peripheral. It then becomes interesting to study: notarial deeds, registers of brotherhoods, inventories of private libraries. Illustration in a 12th-century homily. It shows a self-portrait of the scribe and illuminator Guda. © Ommundsen, Å. et al., 2025 This need for reexamination echoes another recent development. Historians have rediscovered the active role of women within the medieval Avignon papacy. Unearthed documents have revealed that they were copyists, translators, and notaries, directly involved in the functioning of the papal curia. This female presence in spheres of power, although barely visible in traditional accounts, demonstrates that they occupied essential intellectual functions. These cases, which are geographically and institutionally very different, converge towards the same observation. Women participated, in a concrete and sometimes decisive way, in the written transmission of medieval knowledge. A handwritten memory to preserve and enhance Of the approximately 10 million manuscripts produced in the Latin West between the Early Middle Ages and the early modern period, only 750,000 have survived the centuries. According to historian Eltjo Buringh's estimates, this represents a loss of over 90%. Applying this rate to the estimated female output, approximately 8,000 manuscripts copied by women are still preserved today. These texts, often anonymous or difficult to identify, represent a fragile and under-exploited heritage. Yet they offer direct access to gestures, know-how, and life contexts that have long escaped the attention of historians. Their study would, on the one hand, allow us to better understand the concrete modalities of women's intellectual work. On the other hand, it would allow us to raise new questions about the circulation of knowledge, the uses of books, and even unofficial forms of transmission. This work of rediscovery is anything but marginal. It contributes to a necessary rewriting of our collective memory, based on precise, documented, and now quantified traces. Through these manuscripts, another map of medieval culture emerges, one more faithful to the complexity of its time. Source: Ommundsen, Å., Conti, AK, Haaland, Ø.A. et al. “ How many medieval and early modern manuscripts were copied by female scribes? A bibliometric analysis based on colophons ”. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12 , 346 (2025).

Have you always dreamed of writing, but never dared to take the plunge? Do you think you don't have the talent or inspiration to do so? Think again! Writing is an art accessible to everyone, and a writing workshop can help you unleash your creativity and build your confidence. Why join a writing workshop? Writing can seem intimidating, especially when comparing yourself to established authors. Yet, writing is, above all, a means of personal expression, allowing you to bring your ideas and emotions to life. A writing workshop offers a supportive environment to explore this path, alongside other passionate writers. Developing your writing skills In a workshop, you'll benefit from the guidance of an experienced instructor, who will help you perfect your writing style and technique. You'll learn how to structure your texts, refine your writing style, and find the right rhythm and words. The exercises will help you gain fluency and confidence. Finding your inspiration One of the main challenges of calligraphy is overcoming moments of inspiration loss. In a workshop, you'll be stimulated by suggestions and exchanges with other participants. You'll discover new sources of inspiration and learn to draw on your experiences and imagination. Share and exchange Calligraphy can be a solitary pursuit, but a workshop will allow you to step outside your comfort zone. You'll be able to receive feedback and encouragement. These moments of exchange are invaluable for progressing and gaining perspective on your work. How does a Calligraphy workshop take place? Writing workshops come in different formats, but generally follow a similar structure. Here's what to expect during your first session. Warm-up and exercises Each session often begins with flexibility exercises designed to get you moving. The facilitator will suggest a theme, a constraint, or a trigger (an image, an object, a word, etc.), and you'll have a few minutes to write a short text. These exercises allow you to get started and exercise your imagination. Readings and sharing Next comes the long-awaited moment: the reading of your texts. Each in turn, you will read aloud what you have written. The facilitator and the other participants will react kindly, providing constructive feedback. This is an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on your work and to enrich each other. Advice and further study After the readings, the facilitator will share their expertise to help you progress. They can offer suggestions for improvement, advise you on writing techniques, or suggest additional exercises. These discussions will allow you to refine your style and authorial voice. Free time for writing Finally, the session often ends with free writing time, where you can expand on a text you've started or begin a new one. The facilitator remains on hand to guide you and answer your questions. Where can I find a writing workshop? Are you convinced and ready to give it a try? Good news: writing workshops are popping up everywhere. You'll find them in bookstores, media libraries, cultural associations, and even cafes. At Hieroglyphes, our workshop specializing in the creative arts, we regularly organize calligraphy workshops led by established authors. This is the perfect opportunity for you to discover writing in a warm and welcoming environment. So don't hesitate, join us for a calligraphy session! You'll see, calligraphy can become a real source of pleasure and personal fulfillment.

For 340 years, Maison Herbin has been perpetuating the art of crafting exceptional inks. To celebrate this anniversary, the legendary brand is offering a unique ink, "Rouge 1670," which will delight calligraphy and fountain pen enthusiasts. The fascinating history of Maison Herbin Founded in 1670 in Paris, a stone's throw from the towers of Notre-Dame, the Herbin Company has survived the centuries to become a world leader in the production of quality inks. Napoleon Bonaparte and his son, the King of Rome, were already using these renowned inks during the First Empire. During the 19th century, Herbin participated in major international exhibitions, such as the one in London in 1823, where the company received medals for the exceptional quality of its inks and waxes. Today, Herbin inks are still recognized worldwide for their unique expertise. An exceptional ink for the brand's 340th anniversary To celebrate this historic anniversary, Herbin has designed a specially dedicated ink: "Rouge 1670" ink. Packaged in a 50 ml glass bottle, this ink is ideal for all uses: dip pen, fountain pen, quill pen, reed pen, or brush. The bottle's cap is covered with red sealing wax, and a "1670" wax seal decorates each copy, for a touch of authenticity and nobility. Made in France, this ink is a true tribute to the history of Maison Herbin. The secrets of making "Red 1670" ink Like all Herbin inks, "Rouge 1670" ink is the result of ancestral know-how and an exceptional demand for quality. To reveal all its richness, a few simple steps are necessary. First, it is recommended to "warm" the bottle by squeezing it between your hands. This will help bring out the shimmering glitter that gives this ink its unique appearance. Next, it's best to quickly use a pipette to collect the ink. This will prevent the glitter from settling at the bottom of the bottle and help maintain a consistent density throughout the writing process. Finally, it is important to never mix this "Red 1670" ink with any other ink, in order to preserve all its properties. And if you don't use your pen for a few days, remember to empty it, clean the converter and add fresh ink. An ink with multiple uses Thanks to its exceptional formulation, Herbin's "Rouge 1670" ink can be used with a wide variety of writing instruments. Whether it's a dip pen, fountain pen, quill pen, or even a reed pen or brush, this ink will adapt to all your needs. Ideal for calligraphy, it will bring your most beautiful creations to life, with its deep red and sparkling glitter. But it will be just as effective for everyday use, in your correspondence or personal notes. An ink that makes you dream Beyond its technical qualities, Herbin's "Rouge 1670" ink has something magical about it. It embodies the history and expertise of an exceptional company that has survived the centuries to perpetuate the art of writing. By choosing this ink, you become the custodian of a unique heritage. Each stroke of the pen, each letter written, becomes a link to this long tradition of prestigious ink. A way to give your writing a historical and emotional dimension. So don't hesitate any longer, let yourself be tempted by Herbin's "Rouge 1670" ink. A gem of history not to be missed to celebrate the 340th anniversary of this legendary house in style.

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