Call Number:

Item 0057

Repository:

University of Delaware Library Special Collections

Extent:

1 volume (approximately 114 pages)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

MSS 0093, Item 0057, Manuscript lettering book, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.

Date:

approximately 1927 (inclusive)

Creator:

Creator unknown

Form:

Decorated initials, Watercolors (paintings), and Scrapbooks

Abstract:

An artifact of the the early twentieth century calligraphy revival, this 114 page vellum-bound manuscript lettering book has ink-drawn and watercolor original artwork, painted copies, and book or newspaper clippings of English letters glued onto its pages.

This book dates to the early twentieth century calligraphy revival. This movement started decades earlier in Britain then spread through Europe and eventually to the United States. Originally, the revival was an artistic opposition movement to the industrialization of handcrafts.

Created by an unknown author, this manuscript lettering book has ink-drawn and watercolor original artwork, painted copies, and book or newspaper clippings of English letters glued onto its pages. The letters appear in mostly alphabetical order, with the order becoming mixed towards the back of the book. Some art is reminiscent of medieval decorated initials, depicting flora, fauna, and completed and uncompleted scenes of people at leisure, work, and musical performance.

The 114 page volume is vellum-bound with gilt-stamped designs on the spine and covers.