Writing & Illuminating, & Lettering

• “I. TITULI
  • 1. Dedicatory and Votive Inscriptions (Tituli Sacri).
  • 2. Sepulchral Inscriptions (Tituli Sepulchrales).
  • 3. Honorary Inscriptions (Tituli Honorarii).
  • 4. Inscriptions on Public Works (Tituli Operum Publicorum).
  • 5. Inscriptions on Movable Objects (Instrumentum).
• II. INSTRUMENTA
  • 1. Laws (Leges et Plebi Scita).
  • 2. Decrees of the Senate (Senatus Consulta).
  • 3. Imperial Documents (Instrumenta Imperatorum).
  • 4. Decrees of Magistrates (Decreta Magistratuum).
  • 5. Sacred and Public Documents (Acta Sacra et Publica).
  • 6. Private Documents (Acta Privata).
  • 7. Wall Inscriptions (Inscriptiones Parietariae).
  • 8. Consular Diptychs (Diptycha Consularia).”

MS. BOOKS, &C.

Books in the making—as compared with ordinary inscriptions—are capable of great compression or expansion, and may be said to have a quality of elasticity. Nearly all other ordinary inscriptions are set inscriptions (p. 350), requiring a given number of words to be set out in a given space. But in books, while it is convenient that the treatment of the text should conform generally to a chosen size of page (p. 103), the contents of the page may vary according to the letter-form and the spacing (pp. 107, 262), and the number of the pages is not definitely limited, so that another page, or a [p342] number of additional pages, may always be taken to complete the text.

The size of page, margin, and writing having been settled (see Chap. VI.)—and the pages ruled—the penman writes out the text with the utmost freedom, not stopping to make fine calculations, but leaving such spaces and lines, for Initials, Headings, &c., as his fancy and common-sense dictate, and letting the text—or its divisions—smoothly flow on from page to page till a natural termination is reached. And if the terminal page has only one or two lines on it, it is not necessary to attempt a balance with the previous page—the book or chapter91 ends just there, for the good reason that there is no more of it.

Colophons, Tail-pieces, &c. (see p. 142), make a pleasant finish, and may complete the page or not as convenient.

Planning: Sections and Pages.—Calculations of the amount of text, of the number of sections or pages required, and so on, are useful, and planning the pages may be convenient—for example, one or more of the verses of a poem, or a given number of words, may be allotted to the page—provided always that the scribe preserves his freedom, and treats each case on its merits. If he think it most suitable to devote a complete page to each paragraph, he may do so in spite of its resulting in the pages all being of different lengths.

The one general limitation which it is proper to [p343] observe is that of the Writing-line—its length92 and spacing—and to this may be added the desirability of beginning the text of every page on the first or head line.93 For most of us it is not practically possible to do without the aid of the writing-lines—which really lead, through uniformity, to greater freedom—though a book written without them94 might be as beautiful as any ruled manuscript.

Marginal Lines.—These, the terminals of the writing-lines, are frequently made double, with about 14 inch between (see Plates XX. and XV.). On the left this space is utilised for marginal capitals, or is left blank; on the right the first line acts as a warning mark and the normal termination of the text, the second as a barrier beyond which the writing should not go. The double lines, in being more obvious than single lines, are also more effective in “straightening” the page (p. 109): presumably for this reason the two upper and two lower writing-lines were often ruled from edge to edge of the page (see Plate XI.).

Ruling.—Marginal and writing-lines, once ruled, are to be left intact, and may be regarded as actual component parts of the finished pages. They are best made with a hard blunt point (p. 108)—the furrows so made give an interesting character, almost a “texture,” to the smooth surface of the page. But they may be ruled with a fine lead pencil, or with a fine pen and faint black or [p344] coloured inks. Inked or coloured lines, however, are not generally written upon (see footnote, p. 305), but between (see Plates XIII., XVII., XX., &c.).

Correcting Mistakes.—A neatly made rather small letter above and a “carat” below (as in ordinary writing) may be used for an omission (fig. 192). A superfluous letter may be neatly struck out. Erasures are usually unsatisfactory, and a simple, unostentatious correction, besides disarming criticism, is in accordance with the proper freedom of the craft (see p. 174).

Annotations, &c., preferably in smaller coloured writing, are very decorative in the broader margins (pp. 144, 315).

Special Books.—A MS. book is necessarily unique, and some special or personal interest—either of the craftsman (see p. 142) or his “client”—inevitably attaches to it. This may affect its size and form, the treatment of the text, and the decoration and construction generally (see p. 100). Every legitimate opportunity of adding to its individual character should be taken by the scribe and illuminator. [p345]

Fig. 175 and Plate XX. are both taken from private prayer books or psalters; in each the name of the owner (e.g. “Euanzelista famulo tuo,” Plate XX.) is frequently inserted. Plates XV. and XXII. are also taken from specially commissioned MSS., and many evidences of their ownership, such as portraits or coats-of-arms, form part of the decoration of such books.

Church Services, &c.—(For a special church or person.) Church uses are so varied, that it is most important to ascertain the custom, use, or taste of the persons concerned—especially as to the order of, and the introduction or omission of, certain words, paragraphs, or parts, the colours used in the text, the notation of the music—and the manner in which the book will be used.

A service book for the use of a priest gives prominence to the parts in which he is concerned—the responses95 may be smaller, and different in form or colour. The rubrics—in red (see pp. 140, 144)—are kept quite distinct, and may form a very decorative feature. For a private person the other parts—such as are said by the congregation—might be specially marked. In either case a certain amount of planning—e.g. completing prayers, &c., in an opening, to avoid turning over—may be justified by its convenience to the reader. Should very careful planning ever be required, a pattern-book may be made, having the contents of each page roughly indicated in it.

Wedding Service Books, &c.—The interest and [p346] value is enhanced if the book is specially prepared—containing the proper names and dates, and only the special psalms, hymns, prayers, homilies, &c., which will be used. Dated pages may be provided at the end of the book for the signatures of the “friends and neighbours” of the principals.

BINDING MSS.

MSS. should be bound without delay in order to complete and protect them.

To bind books in stiff boards, in leather, requires considerable practice and skill, but a very effective limp vellum cover can be made by the scribe himself, who, in binding his own books, will learn to think of the binding as a part of the book, and to allow for it in the writing and planning (see p. 106).

The following note96 on covering books in limp vellum is specially contributed by Mr. Douglas Cockerell:—

BROADSIDES, WALL INSCRIPTIONS, &C.

Set Inscriptions.—Ordinary inscriptions generally consist of a given number of words to be set out in [p351] a given space. Careful planning may sometimes be required to fit in the words suitably, or to adapt the lettering to the space. But setting-out (p. 258) becomes much simpler after a little practice, and the good craftsman avoids over-planning.

The Place of the Inscription.—The actual space for a wall inscription is commonly suggested by an architectural feature—a stone, a panel, or a niche—of the wall; but in choosing a suitable space for a given inscription, or suitable lettering for a given space, we must take into account—

• 1. The office of the inscription.
• 2. How it is to be read—
  • (a) “At a glance,” or
  • (b) by close inspection.
• 3. The distance from the reader.
• 4. The lighting of the space.
• 5. The character of the surroundings.
• 6. Any special features.

The Size of the Letters.—The all-important question of readableness may be settled thus: the inscription having been planned suitably to fill the space, one or two words are written or painted (the exact size) on paper—smoked or otherwise coloured if necessary to resemble the background. This is stuck upon the chosen part of the wall, and then viewed from the ordinary position of a reader. When the inscription is high up, the thin parts—especially the horizontals of the letters—must be made extra thick to be seen properly from below.

Margins.—Wide margins are only required for comparatively small lettering which demands the close [p352] attention of the reader,103 and generally a set inscription looks best if the lettering be comparatively large—covering most of the given surface, and leaving comparatively narrow margins. The frame or moulding, or the natural edge or environment of the circumscribed space, is very often sufficient “margin” (see Plate XXIV.).

The margins vary, however, according to circumstances; especially the foot margin, which may be very narrow if all the space is required for the lettering (see fig. 211), or very large104 if there is plenty of space (see fig. 210). And, as in special pages or terminal pages of books, so in single sheets, panels, &c., the “foot margin” may show—as it really is—as the space which did not require to be filled, and was therefore “left over.”

Number of Different Types.—While in a book of many pages considerable diversity is allowed, it is essential to the strength and dignity of a single sheet or set inscription to limit the number of types employed in it. Three or four ordinary types will generally give sufficient variety, and if it be necessary—as in notices and placards—that Important Words be put in special types to catch the eye, let two—or at most three—special types suffice, and let the remainder of the text be as quiet and reserved as possible. “Display Types” commonly defeat their object by being overdone. A simple contrast is the most effective (fig. 197). [p353]

ILLUMINATED ADDRESSES, &C.

Forms of Addresses, &c.—The writer should be prepared to advise his “clients” on the form which the address may take, on special features in its writing and illuminating, and on its general treatment.

Ordinarily an Illuminated Address is prepared either as a Framed Parchment (p. 356), a Parchment Scroll, or sheet (p. 356), or a small bound MS. (i.e. in book form: p. 357).105

The wording commonly consists of three parts: the Heading (usually the name of the addressee), the Text (usually divided into paragraphs), the Signatures (or a list of names) of the subscribers.

An address is commonly in the 1st or 3rd person, and in case of any confusion of these, any slip of the pen, or other oversight in the draft, the penman [p354] should, if possible, call attention to it before the document is put into permanent form.

A very convenient and agreeable style of “address” is a formal letter, beginning “Dear Mr. A——— B———,” and ending in the ordinary way. This is a form which may be drawn up more simply, and which reads more naturally, than the ordinary 1st or 3rd personal statement.

An “address” is sometimes in the form of a resolution passed by a public or private body or committee. For municipal or other important corporations, such an extract from their minutes, neatly and “clerkly” written out on parchment, and duly attested by the signatures of their “head” and their secretary, and without ornament save their seal—on a dependent ribbon—or their coat-of-arms, or badge, would not only be the most natural, but possibly the most dignified and effective shape which might be given to the formal presentation of their compliments.

An “address” accompanying a present is frequently little more than a list of names with a brief complimentary or explanatory statement. If possible such an inscription should be written or engraved on the article itself, or be specially designed to accompany it. In some cases this is very simple: when a volume, or set of volumes, is given, the inscription may be written in the first volume—or on a parchment which may be inserted—or it may be prepared in book form, in a binding to match. A silver or other ornament sometimes has a little drawer provided to hold a narrow scroll of names. A portrait may have an inscription on the frame—or even in a corner of the picture—or be accompanied by a simple, framed parchment. [p355]

Signatures.—A neatly written out list of subscribers—especially when their number is large—is very convenient: it does not require individual personal appointments, nor involve risks of damage to the address. The actual signatures of subscribers, however, are of greater interest and sentimental value, and on such grounds are preferable to a mere list of names.

To avoid risks (or with a view to incorporating the signatures in the decorative scheme) the decoration, gilding, &c., may sometimes be deferred until after the signing of the address.

When the exact number and the names of the subscribers are known beforehand, lines may be provided for their signatures, marked with letters in alphabetical order (the proper number of lines under each). This method solves any difficulty in regard to precedence in signing.

Note.—Ordinary signatures require about 12 inch by 3 inches space each. If there are many they may be conveniently arranged in two or more columns, according to the space available.

• Directions for Signing106—
  • Edges of parchment not to project beyond desk or table, lest they be creased.
  • Paper to be provided to cover the address, with FLAPS to raise when signing.
  • When lines for signatures are grooved (p. 108), signatories to face the light (this makes the lines more evident).
  • Ink of one colour to be used if possible.
  • Clean, ORDINARY pens to be provided, and pieces of paper for trying them on.

Framed Parchments.—The parchment may have—beyond the top and foot margins—spare pieces which (after the writing and illuminating is finished) are bent over the ends, and glued to the back, of a stout, white card, or millboard—covered with white or light coloured paper. Or—extra margin being allowed all round—the edges of the parchment are cut into tags or “scallops,” and folded over an ordinary canvas stretcher, and well tacked at the back with small brads. The wedges are carefully adjusted till the parchment lies flat.

A parchment glued to the surface of a millboard is more convenient for framing, but has a less natural surface, and is not so easily managed by the penman as the plain, flexible parchment.

Frames should be gold, black, or white; very plain, and generally without mounts. The parchment, however, must be framed so that there is no danger of any part of it coming into contact with the glass (as that, being damp, would lead to cockling).

Parchment Scroll.—The foot edge of the parchment may be folded over twice,107 a strong, silk ribbon (see footnote, p. 350) is laced along through slits in the folded part (a, fig. 198), so that the two ends come out again at the centre—where they may be knotted together—and are ready to tie round the scroll when it is rolled up (b). A rather narrow, “upright” parchment is most convenient (c). An “oblong” parchment may be very effectively arranged in long lines of writing (d). If a special casket or case is not provided, a neat [p357] japanned tin case may be obtained for a few shillings.

A small Bound MS. is certainly the most easily handled form in which an address may be prepared—its convenience to the penman, the signatories, the reader, and the addressee, is strongly in its favour. A lengthy address, or a very large number of names, may be contained in a comparatively small book.

Method of Planning out Addresses, &c.—If in the [p358] book form, the address is treated much as an ordinary book (see Chap. VI., and Binding, p. 346). The framed or scroll address is planned similarly to a single sheet (p. 90). The following notes of a working method were made during the planning out of an address:—