If the purpose of writing is to communicate, then the simplest, most legible lettering would perhaps be expected. Yet calligraphy (the art of decorative writing) and illumination (ornamenting a page or letter with designs) has captured artists’ imaginations for centuries. The form has its roots in Roman history and the development of Roman cursive script, but Asian calligraphy has an even richer history. In China, some early examples exist pre-200 BCE but in 220 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang imposed a standardised form following his unification of China. Towards the end of the 19th century, calligraphy received something of a modern revival when craftsman Edward Johnston taught courses and published books such as Writing, Illuminating And Lettering in 1906. His legacy can still be seen today in the Johnston Typeface font which he designed for the distinctive London Underground signs. However, the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe are perhaps some of the most famous and it is those that we primarily highlight here.
The British Library is now celebrating the form’s rich and expansive history with a paperback edition of The Art & History Of Calligraphy by Patricia Lovett. Available in October her book includes an incredible collection of examples, from the medieval to more contemporary works.
All images: © The British Library