Чернильное царство!
My name is Leonid Belsky
I have been collecting inkwells for many years. My collection inlcude over 500 inkwells from the 1st century AD to the 21st century.
In my collection, there are inkwells from over 50 countries, crafted from an array of materials including silver, bronze, brass, porcelain, ceramic, pewter, cast iron, glass, wood, bones and various others.
My collection also include a wide range of antique ink writting tools and accessories.
"The mysterious world of inkwells". Exibition at Mytishy Art Gallery.
"Animal inkwells".
Exhibition at Moscow Darwin Museum.
Selected inkwells from Leonid Belsky collection.
World of inkwells
The earliest forms of inkwells can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. In Europe, prior to the sixteenth century, writing was considered to be a lowly task. A scribe would write using a quill pen and ink on behalf of the aristocrat.
From the seventeenth century onwards the art of writing spread across Europe and inkwells became more decorative. Inkwells made from porcelain, sterling silver, pewter, cast iron, brass, wood, and other natural materials became fashionable.
I invite you to the world of inkwells!
My project: "The History of Ink Writing "
"In an age of technology where e-mail, texting, and Twitter have become ubiquitous, handwriting are considered archaic and irrelevant by young people. Once-commonplace tools, inkwells become forgotten......"
The project objectives are:
-Educational exhibitions to engage young people and make them interested in handwriting/inkwells/ink writting tools;
-Masterclasses to provide a hands-on experience, where the visitors not only can observe antique inkwells and writing tools, but also engage in old-fashioned handwriting using
the reed, quill, and dip pens;
-Interesting stories and articles about inkwells and ink writting tools.
Project achievements (2021-2024):
Museum of private collectors
My collection became a foundation for a new private museum!
Examples of my favorite inkwells!
Maker's mark of Horace Woodward & Co, Birmingham 1888
Similar inkwell was presented to Tsar Nicholas II by Edward VII upon Tsar Nicholas II visit to Osborne House 1909
Gusum Metallslojder, from the early 1900's.
Maker's mark of Horace Woodward & Co, Birmingham 1888