Calligraphy

Calligraphy fountain pens from LAMY: The art of beautiful writing


In a digital age where speed and transience define everyday life, calligraphy is a pursuit characterised by tranquillity and conscious creation.

A calligraphy fountain pen acts as the bridge between your thoughts and an artistic representation in beautiful handwriting on paper. At LAMY, we uphold the tradition of writing culture and combine it with modern design.

Our fountain pens for calligraphy are designed to lend every single letter expression, character and elegance.

The fascination of calligraphy: Why a special nib makes all the difference


The term ‘calligraphy’ comes from Greek and means ‘the art of beautiful writing’. Whilst a conventional fountain pen usually has a rounded nib grade for an even flow of ink, a calligraphy nib is distinguished by its special shape. At LAMY, these are the 1.1, 1.5 and 1.9 nibs from the LAMY Z 50 series.

LAMY also offers special oblique nibs that allow for individualised writing: when held correctly, they produce a beautiful variation in line width and are particularly well suited to cursive scripts and modern calligraphy.

These are usually bevelled broad nibs (OB or OBB), which produce different line widths depending on the writing angle. They are also available in medium width (OM).

When you use a LAMY calligraphy fountain pen with the appropriate nib, you will immediately notice the effect: the vertical strokes are broad and powerful, whilst the horizontal connections appear fine and delicate. This high-contrast variation in the handwriting is the basis of artistic calligraphy.

A LAMY calligraphy fountain pen enables both beginners and professionals to interpret historical fonts or characters with ease, or to develop their very own modern style.

What are the advantages of a calligraphy fountain pen?


Anyone exploring the art of calligraphy will encounter various tools.

Traditionally, work was usually carried out using a calligraphy penholder and a separate calligraphy nib, which was dipped into an inkwell. Whilst this offers great flexibility, it also requires a great deal of practice in managing the ink flow and is less suitable for writing on the go.

This is where the LAMY calligraphy fountain pen comes in. It combines the aesthetic advantages of a calligraphy nib with the convenience of modern calligraphy ink cartridges. Thanks to the use of ink cartridges designed for the fountain pen model or a special converter, the ink flow remains constant, allowing you to concentrate fully on the shape of your letters without worrying about unwanted ink blots.

For daily calligraphy and modern hand lettering projects, the calligraphy fountain pen is the more efficient and reliable choice.

The LAMY joy: The jewel in the crown of our calligraphy fountain pens


When we talk about the ideal fountain pen for calligraphy, the LAMY joy series is the highlight of our collection. Its ergonomic design, which tapers towards the end, is reminiscent of a classic quill and sits perfectly in the hand.

What makes the LAMY joy the ideal calligraphy fountain pen:


  • With a special calligraphy band-tension nib: The LAMY joy calligraphy fountain pen is available in three different nib widths (1.1 mm, 1.5 mm and 1.9 mm). This allows you to tailor the width of your writing perfectly to your preferences.

  • Ergonomics: As with many LAMY models, the distinctive grip groove ensures precise guidance of the nib: this is essential for maintaining the correct angle.

  • Aesthetics: The tapered design pays homage to a traditional quill pen and inspires creative calligraphy or lettering.

Tips for getting started: Achieve expressive handwriting with a calligraphy fountain pen


Every beginning is easy when you have the right tools. When you hold your first fountain pen for calligraphy in your hands, you should take the time to experiment with the interplay of paper, ink and nib.

  1. The right angle: A calligraphy fountain pen is usually guided at an angle of 45 degrees to the baseline. This creates the characteristic contrasts all by itself.

  2. The right paper: Calligraphy requires paper with a smooth surface and high opacity. Smooth, non-absorbent paper (from 100 g/m²) is best suited to ensure the ink does not bleed or fray. Popular choices include, for example, satin-finished drawing paper, high-quality laser paper or watercolour paper. High-quality notepads or tracing paper are suitable for practising.

  3. Patience and rhythm: Calligraphy is a mindful art. Pay conscious attention to your breathing and guide the calligraphy nib across the paper with even pressure.

Calligraphy: LAMY ink cartridges and ink colours for boundless creativity


A major advantage of LAMY calligraphy fountain pens is the wide range of colours available in our inks and cartridges. Whilst traditional calligraphers often use only black ink, LAMY offers a broad palette of ink cartridges and ink bottles.

  • From deep blue

  • and bright red

  • to trendy colours such as turquoise or violet.

The colour enhances the emotional impact of your message. For individualists, the use of a converter also offers the option of using ink from a bottle, making the calligraphy fountain pen even more versatile.

Caring for your calligraphy nib


To ensure your calligraphy fountain pen delivers perfect results for years to come, regular cleaning is essential. Ink residue can clog the fine channels of the nib, which impairs the flow of ink.

Simply rinse the front section of your calligraphy fountain pen with lukewarm water, particularly if you are changing the colour of your calligraphy ink cartridges or have not used the pen for a long time. A well-maintained calligraphy fountain pen is a tool for life.

Durability and design: Why a LAMY calligraphy fountain pen is the right choice


LAMY stands for durable products. A calligraphy fountain pen from our range is a high-quality, precise writing instrument.

Should the nib ever become worn or if you wish to try a different width, the calligraphy nib can be easily replaced on most models. This conserves resources and allows you to continually adapt your writing tool to your growing skills.

Whether you’re designing wedding invitations, creating certificates or trying your hand at journaling: with a LAMY calligraphy fountain pen, you’re choosing quality that shows.

Discover the world of calligraphy


Calligraphy is a journey of self-discovery. With every stroke you make with your calligraphy fountain pen, you leave a lasting impression.

Discover the variety of our calligraphy fountain pens and find the model that best suits your style.

Whether in the classic calligraphy penholder style (such as the LAMY joy model) or as a modern fountain pen with a special calligraphy nib: LAMY offers you the perfection your art deserves.

Immerse yourself in the world of calligraphy and be enchanted by the expression of ink on paper. Your handwriting is unique – give it the setting it deserves.

FAQ

A calligraphy fountain pen differs from a conventional writing instrument primarily in the shape of its nib. Whilst standard nibs have a rounded tip for an even stroke, a calligraphy fountain pen features a flat-ground broad nib (also known as a band-pull nib). Depending on the writing angle, this produces strokes of varying widths – vertical lines become broad, horizontal lines fine. This creates the characteristic calligraphic style without any need for pressure.

A good calligraphy fountain pen must be perfectly balanced and offer a consistent ink flow. The LAMY joy is considered one of the best models on the market. It was developed specifically for creative writing. Its extended barrel ensures ideal weight distribution, and the modular system allows you to switch between different nib sizes (1.1 mm, 1.5 mm or 1.9 mm) to find the right line width for every project.

Yes, a calligraphy fountain pen is actually ideal, as it bridges the gap between tradition and comfort. Unlike the classic calligraphy pen, which has to be constantly dipped in an inkwell, the fountain pen allows for clean, uninterrupted work thanks to ink cartridges (or a special converter for ink). It is the ideal tool for modern hand lettering, personal letters or expressive greeting cards.