A New Field
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Recipe

Tannin-and-iron ink

The classic iron gall ink. Tannins meet iron salts and darken to a deep grey-black that oxidises further with time.

Every A New Field recipe has been run in a domestic kitchen or community hall. Read the safety notes before you start and adapt for your venue.

What you’ll make

Flows well on paper, darkens on the page. Light- and water-fast.

Flexible slots (flex around your material)

  • Tannin source

    Tannin-rich30g

    Astringent plant matter high in tannins. Darkens with iron, acts as dye, mordant and mild binder.

    Examples Oak galls, walnut husk, strong black tea, bark

    Note, Simmer 30 min, strain.

  • Iron source

    Iron source5g iron sulphate or 30ml rust water

    Iron salts or rust. Darkens tannins to a deep grey or black.

    Examples Iron sulphate, rust water, steel wool in vinegar

Fixed ingredients

  • Gum arabic · 5g, Improves flow on paper.

Equipment

  • Jar
  • sieve
  • small pan
  • stirring stick.

Refinements and variations

  • Oak galls give the strongest, most permanent ink
  • Walnut husk a warmer brown-black.

Source notes

Traditional recipe used in European manuscripts for a thousand years.