Handwriting after printing the book

The inspiration for my short story is the exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. In some of El Greco's paintings, we can see some of the handwriting of the period, and we also have the opportunity to observe the master's handwriting on a page. After seeing the pictures, I wondered how handwriting could have survived in the 15th and 16th centuries after the invention of printing. Surprisingly, it made a big difference!

Visit to the Prime Minister Viktor Orbán

 Before I talk about the meeting, a few lines on the background. My father, Lóránd Szűcs, was a staunch supporter of Viktor Orbán for the last 20 years of his life. I enjoyed discussing politics with my father, he was well-informed, and in many cases we had constructive political debates, but we considered it important not to mix emotions and passions. He had several pens, one of which he had long wanted to donate to the Prime Minister (he did not specify which one), but he was unable to do so as he passed away in 2017 (I created a memorial page about him: lorand.hu, and a longer piece about him was published on fortepan).

Two misplaced fountain pens
mistakes at the Money Museum (Budapest)

On 15 March 2022, the Money Museum, founded by the Hungarian National Bank, was opened on Széll Kálmán Square (the political opposition name for it is Moscow Square, although this has now been given a special meaning), in the former Postapal Palace. An exhibition on the history of money is housed in a quarter of the building's floor space. Unfortunately I was unable to make it to the opening ceremony, but I recently made up for it by visiting the museum. During my trip, I came across two fountain pens on display. I shouldn't have.

Letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

Response from Buckingham Palace

About a month ago, I gathered my questions and, with a measure of boldness, took up a calligraphy pen to write a letter to Queen Elizabeth II. Composing it was no small feat — the writing alone consumed nearly half a day. I had no real hope of receiving a reply, yet today a registered envelope arrived from Buckingham Palace.

The letter revealed that Her Majesty had indeed appreciated my words, though she was unable to respond in person. The Queen is in good spirits, despite some frailty, and—much to her regret—has had to set aside her daily dry Martini. Even monarchs face their own sacrifices. The questions I posed to the Queen can be read here. For my part, I am deeply grateful for her reply, which I shall treasure as a keepsake of great significance.

Inspired by this exchange, I also dared to write to Hungary’s own “king,” Viktor Orbán. To my surprise, he extended an invitation for a personal meeting. You can read about that here.

2021.10.

The magical Parker 61 fountain pen

Like most other pen companies, Parker had been working for decades to find the perfect filling system, and when the Parker 61 pen was finally introduced in 1956, it was truly as otherworldly as it was initially advertised. It had many features in common with the then predominant Parker 51 fountain pen, but it was thinner and, most importantly, it filled itself. No one knew how it worked, but it worked.

Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of Feathers

I recently observed the fountain pen of Viktor Orbán, and now I'm looking at the pens of a similar prominent person, Queen Elizabeth II. And Elizabeth II is known to favour the best of the best, whether it's the vast collection of sparkling gems, the simple sunglasses she often wears or the hundreds of magnificent hats she wears. Of course, his writing instruments are no exception. There must be at least as many pens as there are hats, with more and more beautiful writing instruments in the photos. Recently, an article appeared on 24.hu, referring to Yahoo, that the Queen refuses to use anything but Parker 51 pens, "The Queen has several Parker models, which she changes, but has stuck with the brand for nearly sixty years." Gliding on the wings of Pegasus, I gathered all the facts and asked the question, is this really true?