Society of Scribes

Friday, April 20, 2012
6:30 pm
School of Visual Arts (SVA) Annex
214 East 21st Street, Manhattan
(between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
This lecture is free and open to the public

Calligraphers everywhere can learn so much from studying the art of engrossing. Flourishing in the US from the late 1800s through mid 1900s, this very impressive art form uses not only a variety of lettering hands, but also techniques that have all but been forgotten. Used for certificates, resolutions and memorials, engrossing encompasses border techniques, photo inclusion, title flourishing, watercolor techniques for title names, acanthus leaves, gilding, shading and so much more. These techniques can be just as useful today. Learning a few small decorative techniques can add so much to a lettering project today. I will be showing images from the Healey Collection, the collection of Zaner Bloser originals that shows the Penman’s Journal covers and artwork accumulated over the years and now housed at The University of Scranton Weinberg Memorial Library. From the days of the Healey Collection through today, I will be talking about the year long master class in the art of engrossing that was held in 2008-2009 for the first time in over 50 years. The scope of work is truly amazing and inspiring.