Mr. Pickering,

I first saw your website months ago and to see that you are posting on a forum absolutely delights me. I have never quite mastered italic writing, and have a large amount of regard for those who have. I tend more towards a slanted copperplate. I'd write with a flex-nib if I had one.

Yours Respectfully,

John Harvey

Thank you James! I love flourished capitals, and Edward Johnston is one to make an example of for sure.

Thank you, Mr. Harvey. I am out of practice with Copperplate, but I will dig out my old Osmiroid copperplate-nibbed fountain pens and post some exemplars after a little practice.

James

Thank you, M4R1N4.

Mr. Wilfred Barton, who taught me Calligraphy, was a student of Graily Hewitt and had met he and Johnston when he was studying Art in London at the turn of the 20th century -- so the Johnston/Hewitt influence runs strong in my veins -- as does that of Alfred Fairbank.

James

Your handwriting is simply amazing. Perhaps with practice mine will be as nice. It is congenial of you to offer to post some exemplars of copperplate. I shall take pleasure looking at them when they are done.

James, thanks for sharing yet again. I never tire of looking at your writing. One of my goals in 2006 is to work on my handwriting. I've looked at your site numerous times and will undoubtedly continue to do so. I've also printed many of your exemplars to use as guides / templates. Your handwriting is simply inspiring. Perhaps one day my southpaw scribble will vaguely resemble the elegant script you create. Again, many thanks.

Thank you, Southpaw -- please keep on "plugging" away!

James

I must agree
I can not get enough of his writing.
It is my goal this year to attempt to emulate his writing style.

Beautiful handwriting.

I continue to be amazed and enthralled with Mr. Pickering's elegant hand. To think that this is done at a normal writing speed further astounds.

I do have a couple (at least) of questions. I have a Parker 75 with a stub nib and, although it gives more line variation than does a medium or fine nib, do I need an "italic" nib or is a broader nib, e.g. 1.1 or 1.9 adequate. My hand tends to be a bit small, but I do like line variation and I can write larger if that is what I need to do.

How do make that lovely Majuscule S? I like it, but cannot reproduce it except with marked crudity.

I have been struggling with not using just finger writing and I read (here) last night not to rest the heel of my hand on the paper. When I do so the quality of the writing diminishes greatly. I suppose that not resting the heel is preferred and that I should alter my practice accordingly. If I misinterpreted, I would like to know, otherwise, it back to the drawing board (writing pad).

With all of my admiration

Jack Land

Thanks, Ann. I appreciate it. When I practice, I usually have one or more of his exemplars on the computer screen for ready reference. Thanks for the advice.

JL

Jack, for sharp thick/thin contrast, as seen in the word "Rendition" that James posted above (note the really thin exit serifs at the ends of the letters), you need a sharp italic nib. It doesn't have to be as wide as a 1.9 or even a 1.1, but for learning/practicing it is better to use a wide nib so that you can spot letter form errors more easily. After you've got the letter forms down pat, you'll likely want a narrower nib. I usually don't use anything wider than 0.9 mm for everyday italic.

Sometimes James has health problems and does not post or read the message boards for a few months--just so you know in case he doesn't happen to chime in here with more info.

Hope this helps a little bit.
Ann