Calligraphy and Lettering

Revival of Roman alphabet and beyond

The calligraphy collection consists largely of work by the first two generations of British calligraphers to emerge from the early 20th century revival led by Edward Johnston. The Crafts Study Centre holds a large body of work by Johnston and an equally large collection by that of his pupil at the Royal College of Art, Irene Wellington.

The Centre has a small but growing collection of contemporary work by Ewan Clayton, Hazel Dolby, Thomas Ingmire and Ann Hechle, and some seventy named 20th century calligraphers are represented through one or two works each. A Heritage Lottery Fund grant, 'Collecting Cultures', enabled the Centre to purchase drawings and archive material relating to work by the internationally renowned letter carver, Ralph Beyer (1921–2008), celebrated for his commission in Basil Spence's new Coventry Cathedral which is of immense significance in the history of 20th century British public lettering.

In 2018 the Centre acquired the collection of the Edward Johnston Foundation, relating to the work of Johnston’s students including large quantities of work by Daisy Alcock, William Gardiner, Joan Pilsbury, Michael Renton and John Woodcock.

Clicking on the links below will display a curated selection of work by each maker - there may be further examples in the collection.