I visited my grandparents down in North Carolina for the holidays – and I was lucky enough to come back with some great old books. I learned that my great-grandfather had been a bit of a hobbyist sign-painter and draftsman. My grandfather uncovered some of his old reference books:
The Wesco System of Penmanship (1914)
Draughtsmans Alphabets (1877)
Modern Sign Painting (1952)
My great-grandfather practicing his W’s
This book was found on top of a garbage can in 1940 by my grandfather, who was a young boy, on his walk to school
my favorite from this book “17th Century”
What amazed me most about these books are how closely the various typefaces described have been replicated as computerized/digital fonts. The ability for us to choose from dozens of typefaces without any effort – and the thought of having to physically paint out letters in Old English or German Gothic…difficult to imagine.
Anyway, thought I’d share some photos
-Taylor
WRENMIRE 