THE ART OF MEDIEVAL CALLIGRAPHY
f the purpose of writing is to communicate, then the simplest, most legible lettering would perhaps be expected. Yet calligraphy (the art of decorative writing) and illumination (ornamenting a page or letter with designs) has captured artists’ imaginations for centuries. The form has its roots in Roman history and the development of Roman cursive script, but Asian calligraphy has in 1906. His legacy can still be seen today in the Johnston Typeface font which he designed for the distinctive London Underground signs. However, the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe are perhaps some of the most famous and it is those that we primarily highlight here.
