Strength
Oaks in Aldershot in November
As autumn deepens, I find myself drawn to the oak trees standing tall across the landscape. They can live almost a century and I wonder how many storms, floods and droughts they have witnessed, and countless generations of creatures coming and going beneath their branches. They are symbols of strength and wisdom in many cultures, a steadfast presence. They are the gentlemen of the woods.
This year I gathered some oak galls - small, round growths on the leaves and branches - and used them to make ink for drawing. Oak gall ink is one of the most permanent inks in history. It was used to write the Magna Carta, to record Newton’s theories, and to compose Mozart’s music. I love thought that something from a living tree has carried human words and ideas across centuries. It feels fitting that the oak, a tree of such dignity and endurance, would help preserve our most precious writings.
The strength of the oak isn’t just what it endures, it’s in what it generously provides. It maintains its own small ecosystem, providing shelter for diverse wildlife within its root system and canopy. When I look at an oak, I sense something of God’s own nature; steadfast, generous and wise. As branches bow low, just skimming the ground, I see an invitation to play, to climb, and to enjoy.
As November settles in and the light fades earlier each day, I want to be more like the oak: rooted in something deep and steady, open-handed in what I offer, trusting that even in the hardest seasons there is shelter beneath the Almighty.
Oak Gall Ink Recipe
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Prepare the Oak Galls
Finely crush dried oak galls into a powder using a pestle and mortar. -
Extract the Tannins
Place about 30 grams of oak gall powder in a jar and add 100 millilitres of water. Stir well, then cover and let it stand for at least 24 hours to allow the tannins to extract. -
Strain the Mixture
Filter the brown liquid through a coffee filter or fine cloth to remove any solid particles. -
Add the Iron Source
Crush ferrous sulphate tablets (available as iron supplements) into a fine powder. Gradually add the powder to the strained liquid until it turns a rich black colour. -
Finish the Ink
Stir in a small amount of gum arabic to act as a binder, improving flow and adhesion to paper.
Add a couple of cloves or a drop of clove oil to help preserve the ink and prevent mould.