About the object

This is a packet of ink powder from the 1940s or 50s. It contains powdered blue-black ink. 

Ink powder was used to make liquid writing ink. It could be purchased in powder form in small measured sachets such as this one. 

The directions for use state: Dissolve contents in 1 pint of water.

Liquid writing ink was poured into inkwells sitting in holes in the desks. An 'ink monitor' often mixed the ink and filled the inkwells. Small jugs or old teapots were used for a precise pour into the small holes in the inkwells.

Ink was used by students for writing and drawing. It was used by teachers for marking and other writing tasks

Our collection of student exercise books from the 1880s to late 1960s all feature work executed in ink. Different coloured inks were used for headings and mapping.

Skill was required to use ink with a pen and nib. Our punishment books indicate that students were punished for 'careless writing' or 'blotting their copy book'.

Significance

Ink was the main writing technology used in schools until the late 1960s.

This packet provides an example of how ink was supplied to schools.

Object details

Date – circa 1940

Creator – Simpsons Ink Pty. Ltd. Australia

Place – Australia

Materials – paper, ink powder

Dimensions – 6.2cm x 10.8cm

See

• What do you notice first? 

• Did you notice the fold on the Simpson's brown paper packet? 

• How are the brown and white packets of ink similar and different?

Think

• Do you think the brown Simpson's ink sachet has been used? Why do you think that?

• Why have we inferred that the white Angus & Co. packet is newer than the brown Simpson's packet?

• What vessel would you use for mixing ink and pouring it into inkwells?

Wonder

• What do you wonder about ink and ink sachets?

• What questions does it raise?

Oral history – ink mischief

Roseville Public School, 1941

Fair-haired eleven year old Donald woke up and got dressed for school in his shorts, shirt and fairisle vest. 

He headed to the bathroom to comb his hair. Neatly combed hair was fashionable at the time.

Donald ran his comb under the tap then ran it through his hair. He did that a few times then glanced in the mirror.

Blue hair! 

Unbeknown to Donald, one of his classmates had sprinkled ink powder onto Donald's head at school the day before!

• Have you heard an ink story from an elderly friend or relative?

Mapping ink pen, 1933

Ink pens, also known as dip pens, were used in schools in NSW through the 1790s to the late 1960s.

The pen holder is wood with a metal sleeve with a slot to insert a pointy metal nib. Nibs could be replaced when worn down or when a particular type of nib was needed.

How to use an ink pen

1. 1. Hold the pen at the metal sleeve

   2. Have the curve of the nib at the top

   3. Dip the pen into the inkwell

   4. Write until the ink runs out

   5. Gently press the blotting paper onto the wet writing

   6. Repeat.

Nibs, circa 1940 

Metal nibs came in a range of shapes. They are made of metal.

They are curved, have a pointed split and a tiny hole at the base of the split.

The curved shape holds a bubble of ink. The hole, split and point enables the ink to flow off the point when gently pressed onto paper.

If there is too much ink in the nib, or if it is held on the paper for too long, an inky blot forms. 

• Have you ever heard the expression 'You've blotted your copy book!'. What might it mean?