The UK calligraphy teaching standard — and why the reservoir matters
William Mitchell nibs have been the broad-edge nib used in UK calligraphy instruction for generations. Where Brause broad-edge nibs are common in European calligraphy traditions generally, Mitchell is specifically the British standard — if you are learning from a UK calligraphy course, a UK instructional book, or a UK calligraphy society, Mitchell is the nib the instructions were written for. The numbered sizing system (0 being the widest, 4 the narrowest) is the reference used in most UK instruction: 'use a No. 2 nib for these letterforms' means a Mitchell No. 2. The slip-on reservoir is integral to the system. Mitchell nibs have a flat profile that holds very little ink without a reservoir — perhaps enough for two or three strokes. The slip-on reservoir clips to the back of the nib and provides ink storage, feeding to the writing edge gradually. Without it the nib needs re-dipping every few strokes, which makes sustained practice impractical. The nib set includes reservoirs; individual nibs need a reservoir purchased separately.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
What is the slip-on reservoir and why is it essential?
A Mitchell nib has a flat profile that holds very little ink on its own. The slip-on reservoir is a small metal piece that clips to the back of the nib and holds ink, feeding it to the writing edge gradually. Without the reservoir, sustained calligraphy practice is not practically possible — you spend most of the time dipping rather than writing. The 6-nib set includes reservoirs; for individual nibs, a reservoir must be purchased separately.
How does Mitchell nib size relate to Brause nib width?
The systems do not map precisely and should not be treated as equivalent. Mitchell sizing is a number (0 is widest, 4 is narrowest). Brause sizing is in millimetres. Roughly, a Mitchell No. 2 produces letter proportions similar to a Brause 1.5mm, but the actual edge widths and nib behaviour are different. If your instruction specifies Mitchell, use Mitchell; if it specifies Brause, use Brause.
Is the 6-nib set the right starting purchase?
Yes — the set of 6 covers the full range of sizes used in standard UK calligraphy instruction and includes reservoirs for all nibs. It is the single purchase that equips you for any UK broad-edge calligraphy course without needing to source additional components.