Put it in Writing

There’s an exhibit currently going on that I’ve heard about called Loops, Swoops & Curlicues: A Legacy of Handwritten History. It’s at the Toronto Reference Library and, apparently, it’s quite wonderful. It showcases several artifacts, including a tablet from around 2000 BCE, handwritten pieces by famous authors, Chinese calligraphy, and even two autograph books from donors here in Niagara (perhaps you’ll recognize their names!).

Amongst the displays are items that can be touched, such as an example of a 19th century cross-written letter. This shows how some people would write a page, then write overtop of the same page diagonally to save paper. There’s interesting information about the source, uses, and properties of iron gall ink, interactive stations, and free tours. The exhibit is on until May 10th. If you do get a chance to attend, let us know about it! We’d love to hear about your experience.

Of course, we cherish and appreciate handwriting here at Figg Street Co. each day! The tactile and personal experience of selecting a writing instrument and pairing it with the right paper for a particular use are activities we enjoy and savour. There’s something remarkably reassuring about the feeling of writing a handwritten note with a glass dip pen and a new, vibrantly coloured ink. Or the sound of a fountain pen nib on smooth paper, gliding over the page as only a fountain pen can.

Handwriting is a skill we’re grateful to have for all its benefits. Whether you enjoy writing in your journal, letters to special friends, or greeting cards to mark life’s special and poignant moments, we have something for you at Figg Street Co.