Choose a Joseph Gillott nib to suit your line work, ink sketches or fine calligraphy. You receive ten loose nibs of the selected model: 1290, 291, 303 or 404. This is not a mixed set; a penholder, ink and paper are sold separately.
Which model suits your work?
- 1290: a fine, pointed, flexible nib with a slightly upward-curved tip for pressure-sensitive lines.
- 291: a small, very fine, soft and flexible nib for small letters and delicate details.
- 303: a sharp, highly flexible nib for Copperplate, hairlines and medium-sized letters.
- 404: a moderately flexible nib that feels firmer than the 303, for medium-sized Copperplate letters and drawing.
Penholder and ink
All four fit the Joseph Gillott No. 52 drawing penholder. Choose a compatible holder that grips the nib securely and ink intended for dip nibs. The model numbers identify nib types, rather than guaranteeing a line width in millimetres.
Build the line gradually
Try the nib on the same paper as your finished work. Start with light pressure and practise fine lines before adding pressure on downstrokes. The soft 291 especially benefits from a gentle hand. Avoid sideways pressure and do not force the point. Paper texture, ink and your hand all influence the result.
Cleaning and complementary materials
Clean the nib after use according to its care instructions and dry it thoroughly before storage. Keep spare nibs so their tips do not press against one another. Explore calligraphy materials and more drawing and writing materials.
