The pleasures of ink

sir – I was recently given a Parker fountain pen (Letters, February 22) from my parents to celebrate my Confirmation. It is, without doubt, the nicest feeling to sense the connection and texture of the pen on paper. It has made letter-writing a pleasure.

My next step is to ask my grandfather for some of his blotting paper. He religiously reads all the Telegraph’s Letters to the Editor, so hopefully he will deliver my request. Oliver Lang

Playford, Suffolk

sir – As a left-handed person I find it impossible to write with either a dip pen or fountain pen without smudges. I remember with fondness the day Biros became acceptable.

Gel pens have also allowed me to regain penmanship and I use them all the time. John Bergin

Oxton, Wirral