The British Library Companion to Calligraphy, Illumination and Heraldry : A History and Practical Guide

Calligraphy and illumination, together with heraldry, comprise the three traditional skills of mediaeval book arts. In this wide-ranging guide they have been brought up-to-date by scribe and illuminator Patricia Lovett. Each section looks back at the historical roots of the subject before considering modern approaches. Manuscripts from The British Library and other sources support the text, which is designed to enable the reader to use this book both as a working guide and a fundamental source of reference. Sections include the range and selection of tools and materials for calligraphy, illumination and heraldry and how to letter. There are practical projects ranging from the simplest through to the more technically advanced, and a detailed reference section explains about the tools and materials including types and selection of papers; selection and care of brushes; colour theory and mixing; and choosing, preparing and stretching vellum. The study includes chapters by specialists in their fields: Hermann Zapf writes about type design; Dr Michelle P. Brown considers manuscript illumination; Dr Rosemary Sassoon discusses calligraphy and handwriting; and Hubert Chesshyre writes on being a modern herald today.