In her debut article, Bosompemaa, a graduate teaching assistant for the BookLab course Technologies of the Word, takes us on an exciting journey into the world of quill cutting. She shows us how, just like the scribes of old, quills must be carefully shaped to create the perfect writing instrument. From the unique challenges of selecting the right feather to the meticulous cutting process, Bosompemaa’s article gives an up-close look at this centuries-old craft, offering a fresh perspective on medieval writing techniques.
A Medieval Writing Adventure: Quill Cutting at the Book Lab
Hi, I’m Bosompemaa, I’m thrilled to show you one of the coolest things we do here, learning to cut quills—just like medieval scribes did.
In the Middle Ages, quill cutting was more than just a craft; it was a necessity that shaped the way reading and writing were taught. Turns out, not just any feather will do! A quill must be firm but not brittle and not soft either. The right tools—a scalpel (I use a plastic scalpel for this), scissors (I love using tiny ones as they often work for me!), and a crochet hook—also, smaller ones help, as the hook is used for clearing the inside of the quill.
Writing with a quill is an art in itself. The tip influences the script, and the experience is far from writing with any modern writing tools of today. But mastering it connects us to the past in a way that’s both humbling and exhilarating.
Want to step into the shoes of a medieval scribe? Join us at the Book Lab—we’re bringing history to life, one feather at a time!
Written by Bosompemaa Apea Dankwa, Graduate Teaching Assistant for the BookLab course, Technologies of the Word
