The Westport Library Resource Guides: Calligraphy: About

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Everything You Need to Learn the Ancient Art of Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an ancient art that's popularity still exists today. Centered around letterforms and symbols, calligraphy celebrates the written word in many different ways, from how the individual letters are arranged to the rhythm and flow between them. The European iteration of the art first appeared in Latin script around 600 B.C.E. in Rome. There, it was painted on walls and eventually used to copy the Bible and other religious texts. Its influence survived the fall of the Roman Empire and continued to evolve until around the 15th century. After this point, calligraphy became less utilized thanks to the advent of the printing press; illuminated manuscripts began to decline as a result—they just weren't as practical as automation.

At the end of the 19th century, there was a “modern revival” of calligraphy. Letterer Edward Johnston began studying manuscripts of calligraphy and coupled with the concurrent Arts and Crafts movement, there was a renewed interest in penmanship. Johnston produced a number of publications on the subject, and he taught others calligraphy as well. During this time, he also developed his own calligraphic style that’s written with a broad pen. Called the Foundational Hand, it uses a slanted pen angle to achieve rounded forms.

With the advent of modern technology, it seems that calligraphy has found a special place in the heart of makers. Although it’s often imitated through digital fonts, those who enjoy writing things by hand know how special and personal the practice is—and it’s something that anyone can begin with just a few tools. Continue reading from MyModernMet