Long before commercialism and petrochemicals took over, oak gall and iron ink was used as the go-to black in the west. It is considered one of the most permanent inks and can last for hundreds of years. The Magna Carter, Shakespeare's plays, the Declaration of Independence and some of Da Vinci's drawings are testament to this fact.

Oak galls are formed on oak trees by the interaction of a little gall wasp that lays it's larvae on the tree which then creates unusual growths that are very high in tannic acid. Once hatched the galls can be harvested, ground and cooked to release their powerful pigment.

This rich brown is reacted with ferrous sulphate (iron water) which instantly turns the ink into a velvety black, Gum Arabic (sap from an acacia tree) is added to thicken the ink and give some adhesion. A natural preservative is finally added (a clove) which prohibits mould growth.

This ink, when drawn or brushed out will deepen dramatically over time, at first it can look grey/blue then over minutes and hours will deepen steadily into a very strong black. It is also possible to dilute the ink with water.

Contained in the box...

• Detailed instruction manual to follow a step-by-step

guide to make your own ‘medieval’ iron gall ink. It is also

suitable for using with many other ‘woody’ plant materials.

• Knopper oak galls wrapped in tartalan

• 5ml bottle of gum arabic

• 5ml bottle of ferrous sulphate

• 50ml bottle containing two cloves

• Coffee filter paper

• Bundle of dip-test strips (Fabriano Rosaspina)

You will need the following equipment…

• Electric/gas hob

• An old pan (sole use for ink making)

• Hammer or heavy rock

• Measuring jug and jam jar

• Old spoons, brushes

• Rubber gloves and apron

• A small funnel

Health and Safety...

Only use pans and utensils for ink making, not for food.

Do not ingest any materials in the package.

Not intended for children.

Oak galls contain tannic acid which can be irritating to

skin, please use gloves and wash hands after use.

Wash all utensils, brushes and dip pens thoroughly after

use as ferrous sulphate is very contaminating.