The Writing Equipment Society, established in 1980, is devoted to the conservation and study of writing instruments and accessories. Our members' interests cover pens of all types and materials, pencils, nibs, inkwells, stamp boxes, quill cutters, scriveners' knives, seals, writing slopes, blotters, letter scales, paper knives, rulers and ephemera.

The Society has two broad objectives. First, although many members are interested in modern equipment, our primary concern is to encourage the study of handwriting equipment and related artifacts of earlier times. We wish to record the history of writing equipment and encourage the conservation of both utilitarian and fine items. Secondly, we aim to provide opportunities for collectors, whether they spend pounds or pence, to meet and correspond in an informal way.

Meetings are held about six times a year, often (but not always) in London. Past meetings have included lectures, visits, auctions, presentations of members' collections and social events; among the talks have been lectures on pounce pots, inkpots and the writing equipment of the Renaissance, as well as fountain pen forums and hints on repairing pens. Most meetings are preceded by an informal 'shop and swap' session.

The Journal of the Writing Equipment Society is published three times a year and is sent free to members. It has published articles on the history of writing equipment of all kinds, reports of the Society's visits to museums and factories, and profiles of manufacturers. Old documents and photographs have been reproduced and reviews of new books appear frequently, as well as annotated bibliographies of previously published works. A List of Members is published showing their interests; this provides the basis for much fruitful correspondence, both between home members and also with our many foreign subscribers.

For further information on joining the Society, please contact the Membership Secretary:
Nigel Harrison: 22 Strathmore Avenue Hull, HU6 7HJ, U.K.
E-mail: nigel@writesociety.freeserve.co.uk
Website: www.wesoc.co.uk