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.