Making Manuscripts: Oak Gall Ink

#PolonskyPre1200
Why were wasps so important for medieval scribes? Patricia Lovett reveals the complex process behind making ink for writing in manuscripts.
Explore illuminated manuscripts from the national libraries of the UK and France: www.bl.uk/medi...

[@2Todd2beMe]

I'm reading a book called Ink and Sigil by Kevin Hearne, his main character talks about this ink. I was interested - so googled how it was made. It's just as interesting as a documentary I saw about artists used to create pigments. Humanity really has been ingenious in working this sort of thing out. Many thanks.

[@jocallanan9457]

Splendid

[@frommypointofview7173]

Would you have a recipe with measurements and directions you could send me I've collected almost a pound of oak galls

[@hynsonandnash]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJWuqn6cqsmcr8U

[@betty1660]

A really beautiful video. do you dissolve gum arabic with hot water before adding ferrous sulfate? or did you also add alcohol? May can you send a link to understand where to take ferrous sulfate?

[@SavinelliMike]

Hello Betty. The technique is still used today by men that handwrite Torah scrolls. It's still done traditionally and you can find out how to make the ink here: www.sofer.co.uk/dyo

[@IshanChannel]

I wonder from which species of Oak Tree and in which season these galls were foraged

[@IainHirons]

Those round oak galls are the Aleppo oak……I’ve so far collected 3 types…Aleppo from what I’ve read have highest level of tannin

[@IainHirons]

I’ve just checked….oak marble gall…Aleppo is name of oak tree

[@TheDisplacerBeast]

It looks real good when you just dump the oak gall bits in an iron solution. It goes all swirly, not as useful though.

[@ksushakonechno]

Is this ink toxic?