Medieval Scribes, Tools, & Practices A collection of authentic medieval tools used in all aspects of the scribe's work. This collection, originally organized by Alan Cole, belongs to the Museum of Writing Research Collection, Institute of English Studies, University of London, and is housed in the Senate House Library.

Title Penners

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Brief description A penner is a container made of ivory, silver, leather, horn or brass to hold at least a pen and inkwell and may also have included a knife, sander or other writing implements. Penners came into prominence in the 16th century and carried on in assorted forms until the 19th century. An example here includes a case consisting of a cap and base made of cuir bouilli, or boiled leather, containing a quill, a turned horn inkwell, a turned horn sander, a knife set in a turned horn grip and a turned horn base into which the knife grip screws and connects with to the other components except the quill.

Contributor: Alan Cole

Contribution date: Winter 2014