John Mitchell Begins Mass-Producing Metal Nibs in Birmingham
Poets involved
What happened
In 1822, John Mitchell of Birmingham, England, began the mass production of pens with metal nibs. This innovation marked a significant shift away from the quill pen, as steel nibs were more durable, produced a finer line, and could be manufactured cheaply. Birmingham quickly became the world center for steel pen nib manufacturing, making them a common household item.
Literary impact
The mass-produced steel nib made writing more reliable and affordable for everyone, including poets. It was the tool used by the major Victorian poets, from Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The consistent and fine lines of the steel nib also influenced handwriting and calligraphy, and its availability contributed to the explosion of letter-writing and literary culture in the 19th century, enabling poets to maintain extensive correspondences with each other and their publishers.
Source: Wikipedia
