Speedball's rich history of manufacturing high-tech materials began in Camden, New Jersey in 1899. Speedball is an American company that manufactures artist's materials and other stationery items.the company, which first became successful with its feathers, has since evolved. The company has since evolved from a successful feather company to a company that has expanded its product range to include other areas of art such as painting, sculpture and printing presses.

In 1899 C. Howard Hunt Pen Company began the tradition of precision penmaking that is still alive at Speedball today. With impressive operations, the Hunt Pen Company was able to produce nearly 45,000 pens per day and ship 25 pens per minute.

In 1903 Hunt was purchased by George E. Bartol, whose family retained control of the company for much of the 20th century.

In 1913 patents for the Series A nib were filed by Ross F. George and William H. Gordon.

In 1915 with the Ross F. George partnership, C. Howard Hunt Pen Company introduced the first wide-edge lettering tool of its kind, the Speedball A-Series fountain pen : The "A-style nib" had a square-tipped head that drew wide lines, which suited some of Ross's many lettering styles. 

In 1916 the Speedball B-Series nib was published : The "B-Style Nib" had a round section at the head of the nib that rounded off the beginning and end of each stroke of the pen.

In 1918 C. Howard Hunt Pen Company began manufacturing the Speedball C-Series which became today's most popular series: The "C-Style Nib" is the nib with a chisel point. It creates thick and thin lines depending on the angle at which the pen is held. C-style nibs are the favourites of many calligraphers.

In 1925 Hunt acquired the Boston Pencil Sharpener Company.

In 1936 Hunt became the first major manufacturer of linoleum block printing supplies.

In 1940 Hunt introduced stainless steel alloy pen tips. This innovation allowed the company to maintain its market share throughout the war and the late 1940s.

In 1957 Hunt Pen moved its manufacturing operations from Camden, New Jersey to its current headquarters in Statesville, North Carolina.

In 1962 Hunt Pen Company officially changes its name to Hunt Manufacturing Company and moves its administrative offices from Camden, New Jersey to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1969 Continuing its expansion into the art materials industry, Hunt acquired Bienfang® Paper.

In the 1970's Hunt began manufacturing high quality screen printing products.

In 1997 Walt Glazer successfully leads the purchase of Speedball Art Products from Hunt Manufacturing.

In 2007 Speedball Art Products expanded its impressive range of lead-free undercoats and glazes.

In 2008 Speedball acquired the Houston Art Company, adding well-known brands such as Pink Soap® and the Mona Lisa Metal Leaf lines ™.

In 2009 Speedball Art Products acquired Creative Industries and became the proud manufacturer of Artista ™ and Boss Series pottery wheels.

In 2010 the Bienfang Artist Paper brand is purchased from Elmer's Products, Inc. and launches the Young Artist Paper line ™ in 2011.

In 2012 it continues its commitment to offering innovative, professional-quality printing inks, Speedball adds the Akua® range to its family of brands. Inks for printing on fabric pads are available in 14 colours and a transparent base.

In 2014 the Arnhem 1618® brand is added to the Speedball offer.

In 2015 the Speedball Professional® screen printing tools are launched and the centenary edition of The Speedball Textbook is published.

In 2016 Speedball begins manufacturing Speedball Professional Relief inks and also adds Speedball gel printing plates and calligraphy fountain pens to its offerings.