Where to buy inkwells in the UK

In this computer age, very few people use an old style ink pen any more. This has made the inkwells that were once a feature of every school desk a collector's item, especially the more elaborate and beautiful designs. Here are some ideas of where to look to add to your inkwell collection.

The Internet

If you love the feel of old style ink pens in your hand and the scratch of proper pen nibs on paper, then there are a number of places that cater for your needs. If you are looking for ink wells, the first place you can try is on the Internet. Sites such as eBay have all kinds of beautiful old styles including crstal or bronze designs. There are even character inkwells such as a 'tinkerbell' one. Another site which has beautiful inkwells both modern and antique is one called 'Mappamundi' which also sells writing ink in different colours, ink bottles and pens, nibs and other writing necessities. The Parker Pen official website has a selection of their items for sale including the famous Parker ink or cartridge refills for their pens.

Antique shops and flea markets

Check out your local antique shops Another place to buy inkwells in the UK is in an antique shop, which you can find on virtually every high street. You may have to dig deep into their stock or ask the owner especially to look out for items for you. Specialist stationeries are another place to look, especially in the older cities such as London, York and Edinburgh. Again, the shop managers will undoubtedly be happy to help you in your hunt for items to add to your collection. Flea markets Searching in high quality flea markets (not car boot sales) is another source for you to investigate in your hunt for unusual glass, crystal or silver inkwells. In this case, you will definitely have to do your homework and find out which flea markets in your area are most likely to stock the kind of thing that you are looking for. Auctions Finally, if money is no problem, you can visit local auction houses where you may be lucky and find inkwells dating back to perhaps the Georgian era in beautifully engraved silver or perhaps, Baccarat crystal ink wells complete with pen and nib. Last word Computers may be the way of the future, but a collection of inkwells can give you a way to hold on to the past and to imagine the likes of Charles Dickens and Shakespeare at work.