Why Wax Stamps are not the Only Writing Accessories in Demand
Letter writers today use the old methods to add greater significance to what they write. However, the adoption of sealing stamps and wax, high quality paper and envelopes are not the only accessories enjoying a revival.
This article looks at some of the reasons why wax stamps are just one type of accessory to become in demand once again.
With the art of letter writing enjoying something of a renaissance, there is little surprise in the fact that demand for writing accessories is also increasing. This is probably natural, since the special effort people make today to sit and write a letter, in the face of email, means that a certain ceremonial worth is applied to the practice. So, items like themed wax stamps, coloured wax sticks and even writing desks are considered part and parcel of the experience. There is a wide array of accessories to be considered, with leather journals, organisers, high quality paper and envelopes all basic requirements. With the level of ambition also increasing, a calligraphy set has become popular to have in order to master a more elegant writing style. And because of the use of ink, as opposed to ball point pens, the need for blotting paper has also become acute. In fact, it is arguable that the need for paper with which to blot wet ink is the most significant indication of a return to the ceremonial process that writing once had. The idea of investing time in the presentation of a letter slowly died away as the utensils became cheaper, disposable and more convenient. The quick note scribbled with a biro came decades after fountain pens and quality ball point pens had become popular, but at a time when quantity and speed were surpassing quality as the chief concern. The type of paper used for blotting was highly absorbent, but it did not always have to be used for ink. In fact, the paper can also absorb oil from surfaces, including the skin, making blotting a common practice amongst makeup artists as well as writers. However, there can be no doubt that using paper to soak any heavy areas of ink were essential when smudges and blotching on a letter or document was to be avoided. The practice itself can be traced back to the 15th century, when quills were dipped into ink bottles as a matter of course. And because this was the only manner of writing until the development of our modern pens some 400 years later, paper for blotting had become something of a major industry in its own right. The development of this specialist market came chiefly because effective blotting cannot be done with ordinary writing paper, though the fact it was required in different dimensions was also a factor. As a result, there are various thicknesses and even materials used to make such paper, with the particular application the chief influence over which material ought to be used. This best type of paper is made of cotton, not only because of its ability to absorb moisture but because of its tendency not to fall apart with moisture. Cotton is a much longer lasting material than pulp, for example, so one piece of paper could be used in one sitting, so long as the ink was given time to dry. However, when covered with ink blotches, a new piece was needed meaning a fresh supply of paper was always needed. Amongst the best examples on the market is the range of J Herbin blotting cards. These are not strictly cards but are designed as a business card would be, with the company name elegantly written on one side, with intricate designs in the corners and a logo too. They come in pink or white, but their stylish appearance can so effectively complete the sophisticated image of a writing desk in a study. Of course today, blotting paper is a ceremonial aspect of writing more than a necessity, and used by anyone with a fountain pen, a quill and ink set, or for that matter a calligraphy set. But they are also of extremely high quality. Admittedly, there are many more writing accessories that can be used, not least amongst them the handle blotter that holds the paper and allows the user to simply roll its curved face over the writing. Discerning writers have fuelled the writing renaissance, with a return to high quality writing paper, cards and tags, and writing cases and utensils. Almost everything, from wax stamps to a classically designed ink well have become much vaunted gifts for any occasion.
This article looks at some of the reasons why wax stamps are just one type of accessory to become in demand once again.
With the art of letter writing enjoying something of a renaissance, there is little surprise in the fact that demand for writing accessories is also increasing. This is probably natural, since the special effort people make today to sit and write a letter, in the face of email, means that a certain ceremonial worth is applied to the practice. So, items like themed wax stamps, coloured wax sticks and even writing desks are considered part and parcel of the experience. There is a wide array of accessories to be considered, with leather journals, organisers, high quality paper and envelopes all basic requirements. With the level of ambition also increasing, a calligraphy set has become popular to have in order to master a more elegant writing style. And because of the use of ink, as opposed to ball point pens, the need for blotting paper has also become acute. In fact, it is arguable that the need for paper with which to blot wet ink is the most significant indication of a return to the ceremonial process that writing once had. The idea of investing time in the presentation of a letter slowly died away as the utensils became cheaper, disposable and more convenient. The quick note scribbled with a biro came decades after fountain pens and quality ball point pens had become popular, but at a time when quantity and speed were surpassing quality as the chief concern. The type of paper used for blotting was highly absorbent, but it did not always have to be used for ink. In fact, the paper can also absorb oil from surfaces, including the skin, making blotting a common practice amongst makeup artists as well as writers. However, there can be no doubt that using paper to soak any heavy areas of ink were essential when smudges and blotching on a letter or document was to be avoided. The practice itself can be traced back to the 15th century, when quills were dipped into ink bottles as a matter of course. And because this was the only manner of writing until the development of our modern pens some 400 years later, paper for blotting had become something of a major industry in its own right. The development of this specialist market came chiefly because effective blotting cannot be done with ordinary writing paper, though the fact it was required in different dimensions was also a factor. As a result, there are various thicknesses and even materials used to make such paper, with the particular application the chief influence over which material ought to be used. This best type of paper is made of cotton, not only because of its ability to absorb moisture but because of its tendency not to fall apart with moisture. Cotton is a much longer lasting material than pulp, for example, so one piece of paper could be used in one sitting, so long as the ink was given time to dry. However, when covered with ink blotches, a new piece was needed meaning a fresh supply of paper was always needed. Amongst the best examples on the market is the range of J Herbin blotting cards. These are not strictly cards but are designed as a business card would be, with the company name elegantly written on one side, with intricate designs in the corners and a logo too. They come in pink or white, but their stylish appearance can so effectively complete the sophisticated image of a writing desk in a study. Of course today, blotting paper is a ceremonial aspect of writing more than a necessity, and used by anyone with a fountain pen, a quill and ink set, or for that matter a calligraphy set. But they are also of extremely high quality. Admittedly, there are many more writing accessories that can be used, not least amongst them the handle blotter that holds the paper and allows the user to simply roll its curved face over the writing. Discerning writers have fuelled the writing renaissance, with a return to high quality writing paper, cards and tags, and writing cases and utensils. Almost everything, from wax stamps to a classically designed ink well have become much vaunted gifts for any occasion.
About the Author
Leah Williams writes articles for Mappamundi, online supplier of original writing accessories for your personal correspondence. Choose your favourite wax stamps available in different colours to seal your envelopes and use an elegant calligraphy set with blotting paper for your letters. |
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