Deep Dive: Diamine Writing Inks’ Rich History
Ink makers since 1864, Diamine have endeavoured to maintain traditional ink making production methods. A family-run business that symbolises the finest quality in Fountain Pen Inks, Calligraphy/Drawing Inks & Stamp Pads.
But where did it all begin?
The founder of Diamine, as we know it today, was a man named Thomas Webster of T.Webster & Co. Thomas was originally a Broker from Bootle, Liverpool. A well-educated man who studied at a boarding school in the English countryside during the 1840’s. By 1870, Thomas had progressed to become a “Drysalter” – A dealer in dyes, gums, glues and varnishes. Preparing him for his future career in ink manufacturing.
Thomas began to identify himself as an “Ink Manufacturer” by 1871, found on the census of that year, when visiting relatives. He was one of only five Ink Manufacturers in the Liverpool Area.
During 1886, the “International Exhibition of Navigation, Travelling, Commerce and Manufactures” was held in Liverpool. It was the first international exhibition in Britain to be held outside of London. Thomas proudly exhibited his Diamine Writing Inks. He later received a letter to say he had won a gold medal from the exhibition for his inks. Future success was almost guaranteed.
In 1913, Thomas passed away surrounded by family & friends. His son, Reginald, took over the family business. Before we divulge in Reginald’s life, there is another man who deserves a special mention.
Diamine would simply not exist if it wasn’t for David Morison; a Scottish Chemist, Lithographer, Author & Linguist. In 1809, at only 17 years old, David’s father passed away. Leaving him to take charge of the family’s Printing, Publishing & Book selling business in Perth, Scotland.
Fun fact: David became the “Secretary of the Literary and Antiquarian Society of Perth”. He therefore designed their headquarters, which now stands today as the city’s Museum & Art Gallery.
Shortly thereafter, David decided he was not content with the printing side of the family business and promptly opened an ink factory producing “Morison’s Superior Writing Ink”. The blueprint for Diamine Writing Inks.
So where does the name “Diamine” come from?
David coined the name from the Greek word “Diameno” – meaning to permanently remain or continue. The first reference to “Diamine Writing Ink”, that has been found thus far, features in the 2nd March 1839 Edition of the Morning Advertiser, a London based newspaper with no mention of T.Webster & Co.
2nd March 1839 Edition of the Morning Advertiser.
However, it wouldn’t be until 1864 that the name was used for an established range of writing inks. Plus, an additional 16 years before the name would be mentioned in the papers again. The first mention of Webster’s taking on the name “Diamine” can be found in the 31st December 1880 edition of the Derby Daily Telegraph. The brand gained traction quickly.
31st December 1880 edition of the Derby Daily Telegraph.
Returning to 1913, Reginald Webster, known lovingly as Rex, took over his father’s business after his passing in 1913. Armed with his background in chemistry after an apprenticeship with wholesale druggists Clay, Dodd & Co.
Photo of a notebook gifted to Reginald by his father James, 6th January 1869.
The Diamine brand thrived under direction from Rex. It was under him that the new purpose-built factory was opened in 1925 on the corner of Tariff Street & Athol Street, Liverpool. An L-shaped building complete with 4 stories, including a cellar.
Diamine Works, Tariff Street, 1925.
Rex would pass away in 1953, surrounded by loved ones just as his father before him. The company continued for a good amount of years after his death. However, the trademark would become defunct before the 1990’s.
Photo of Diamine's historical books dating back to the 1800's.
Important historical events to note during Thomas’ & Reginald’s’ time were WW1 & WW2. The city of Liverpool was not directly bombed during World War 1. Unfortunately, the “Liverpool Blitz” that occurred during WW2 was a significant and devastating event. Lasting for 2 years with raids regularly occurring during this period.
Did the World Wars affect the business?
It appears that Diamine did not suffer too greatly during the first World War. They were regularly advertising in the local newspapers, with proud mention of users H.M. Gov, Lever Bro’s & Nettlefolds. Another confident advert can be found in the Liverpool Daily Post, 9th May 1917 edition.
Liverpool Daily Post, 9th May 1917 edition.
The same cannot be guaranteed for WW2, as no mention of Diamine can be found in the papers between 1939-1944. However, they must have been content with their workload without advertisements as job vacancies were published in the 5th January 1945 edition of the Liverpool Echo Newspaper. It seems the Tariff Street factory was narrowly missed during the Blitz.
5th January 1945 edition of the Liverpool Echo Newspaper.
Sadly, the Tariff Street factory was demolished and the street redeveloped for housing between 1983-1990. Diamine have since paid homage to the building for their 160th year anniversary. A new collection was added to the range and included the colours: Tariff Teal, Athol Violet, Canalside, Port of Call, Rosewood & Wax Seal.
During 1994, Diamine was thrust into the spotlight again. This time for unforeseen reasons. A man named Michael Barrett from Liverpool confessed to allegedly forging the so-called diary of Jack the Ripper. Using none other than Diamine Ink!
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 28 June 1994.
In 2003, the brand was resurrected by Christine Joynson & Philip Davies (Aunt & Nephew). It seems Diamine was always destined to be a family endeavour. Today, 3 generations work together under the same roof to provide the world with the best quality and innovative writing inks. Diamine pledge to maintain traditional ink making production methods, while keeping in line with current legislation.
They have since relocated to their current facility, just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Aintree Racecourse. The factory now boasts seemingly never-ending expansions & newly renovated offices. As well as several new labs for their Research & Development department.
It is important to note how much the company's history means to the family. Archives have been kept safe for hundreds of years and remain in excellent condition.
Photo of preserved marketing leaflets.
Preserved advertisement of Diamine Ink Tablets.
Preserved screen-printed letter head and a work book.
Preserved bottle labels and compliments slip.
Hand-drawn graphics from old Webster's adverts.