Roundhand

Roundhand has been in use for a number of centuries and today the bulk of the engrossing business is done in this style. No one who is skillful in this art heeds to be without profitable employment. It is therefore not necessary to speak further of its merits and value. You need this style if you intend to do pen work or if you wish to be a teacher of penmanship.

Two styles of pointed pen calligraphy that have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity are Copperplate and Spencerian scripts. Unfortunately, these two beautiful styles are a point of confusion for some calligraphers who are at a loss to distinguish between them. In this article I will try to demystify the Copperplate-Spencerian enigma.

In some of the most exciting nib news in more than a century, D. Leonardt & Company, a steel pen maker located in Shropshire, England, has introduced the Principal, a nib that successfully reproduces the venerable Principality.

When one looks at masterworks of penmen reproduced in books like George Bickham’s The Universal Penman, it is easy to marvel at the absolutely perfect letterforms and flawless flourishes. Pen artists, particularly beginners, may become frustrated at their inability to render such unbelievable lines.

In this article we will examine the various styles of pointed pen script and the sometimes confusing terminology that apply. The samples provided in the reference image should allow you to visually compare and contrast the different styles of script.