Manuscript Calligraphy Deals: Compare Sale Prices & Find the Best Discount UK

In the nineteenth century, Birmingham was the pen-making capital of the world, and the Manuscript story begins right in the middle of it. In 1856, Diedrich Leonardt founded D. Leonardt & Co in what is now Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The company became famous for its nibs, employed thousands of people at its peak, earned royal appointments, and even worked on the “Eureka” pen, an early ballpoint. Around 1870, Andrew Charles founded another Birmingham pen maker, T. Hessin & Co. After the Second World War, his grandson moved the business to a disused fire station in Highley, Shropshire, as the Highley Pen Company, and brought D. Leonardt & Co under the same roof. The Manuscript Pen Company as we know it today was established in 1989, focusing on calligraphy and school fountain pens. The business is still family-run, now in its fifth generation, and its products are sold in more than forty countries.

That long history in nibs is what makes Manuscript such a trusted name in calligraphy. Most of us first come across the brand through a calligraphy set, often received as a gift or bought to try a new hobby, and Manuscript has built its range to take you from complete beginner to confident letterer.

The calligraphy range is split into clear levels. Beginner calligraphy sets are the natural starting point. They typically include a calligraphy fountain pen, a selection of italic nibs in different widths, ink cartridges and an instruction booklet, so you can start practising straight away without the mess of a dip pen. Modern calligraphy sets reflect the boom in brush lettering and modern calligraphy styles, while the premium sets and the Clarity Collection are aimed at those who want to step up to higher-quality pens. Calligraphy kits and gift sets make Manuscript one of the most popular choices for presents, especially at Christmas.

For more traditional calligraphers, Manuscript makes dip pens, pen holders and a wide selection of nibs, carrying on the nib-making heritage of D. Leonardt. Dip pens give you the most control and the widest choice of nib shapes, and they let you use bottled inks, including shimmer inks, for beautifull effects. Manuscript also makes fountain pens for everyday writing, including the Hedley Collection, along with writing pens, inks for fountain pens and dip pens, and Callicreative markers, which are dual-tip markers designed for lettering and creative projects. The Heritage Collection, wax and seal sets, papers and accessories round out the range, making it easy to put together everything you need from one brand.

In sixteen years in the art supplies industry, including nearly a decade running digital marketing at ARTdiscount, I’ve seen calligraphy go through a real revival, helped by social media, journaling and the popularity of modern lettering. In our community of 36,000 UK artists at Discount Art Supplies, calligraphy and lettering questions come up regularly, and Manuscript is one of the first brands people mention, especially for beginner sets. It’s also a proper British success story, with a family business that has stayed in the pen trade for over 150 years, and I’m always happy to support that. It’s a lovely hobby for improving your handwritting too.

Getting the best deal on Manuscript comes down to a few things. First, compare prices before you buy. Calligraphy sets in particular can vary noticeably in price between retailers, and our comparison above checks Cass Art, Jackson’s, Amazon and others in real time. Second, think about what you actually want to do. A beginner fountain pen set is the easiest and cleanest way to start, while a dip pen set suits people who want a more traditional experience and plan to stick with it. Third, factor in ongoing costs. Ink cartridges, bottled ink and replacement nibs are the things you’ll keep buying, so check those prices too, and consider buying ink in larger bottles once you know you’ll keep practising. And finally, watch for sales. Manuscript sets are hugely popular as gifts, so look out for deals in the run-up to Christmas, around Black Friday and in January sales.

A few questions come up again and again. Is Manuscript good for beginners? Yes. Its beginner calligraphy sets are designed for people with no experience, with instructions and everything you need to start. What’s the difference between a calligraphy fountain pen and a dip pen? A fountain pen holds ink in a cartridge or converter and is clean and convenient, while a dip pen is dipped into bottled ink and offers more nib choices and control. What are Callicreative markers? They’re dual-tip markers from Manuscript designed for lettering, journaling and creative projects. Is Manuscript a British company? Yes. It’s a fifth-generation family business based in Highley, Shropshire, with roots in Birmingham’s pen trade going back to 1856.

Manuscript has been helping people write beautifully for generations, and it’s still one of the best places to start with calligraphy. Looking for a Manuscript sale, discount or discount code? Check the price comparisons above, updated in real time, and you’ll always know you’re getting the best current UK price.