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In Praise of Handwriting

post #1 of 42
12/20/12 at 11:35am
Thread Starter 
I enjoy using fountain pens, collecting inks, writing letters and buying interesting papers and note cards.
So I was very happy to come across this article in the Guardian entitled 'Why Handwriting Matters'.
I thought I'd share it and would love to hear your thoughts.
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post #2 of 42
12/20/12 at 11:45am
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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post #3 of 42
12/20/12 at 1:51pm
Also thanking for sharing the article.
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post #4 of 42
12/20/12 at 8:47pm
G., I did notice the lovely handwriting on your card you sent me, however I fear I belong to the ones being able to kill someone if my scribbles were meant to be prescriptions...
I was quite good at - and still pay attention to - graphology. If one does not overdo it, it is a very good additional telling tool.
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post #5 of 42
12/20/12 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Larimar View Post

G., I did notice the lovely handwriting on your card you sent me, however I fear I belong to the ones being able to kill someone if my scribbles were meant to be prescriptions...
I was quite good at - and still pay attention to - graphology. If one does not overdo it, it is a very good additional telling tool.

Twolf also has gorgeous handwriting. If I remember rightly, noirwest does too.
I *used* to have nice handwriting..... :P

A long long time ago, I read a book about handwriting. It was supposed to be about how to determine character traits and even psychiatric disorders from handwriting. I still am reminded of its information when I see certain types of script. I wish I could recall the book's title.

That is a lovely article, gandhajala. It really made me ponder. I have my mom's capital E. And I have a classmate's capital Fs and Ts.

My great-grandmother wrote her name for me once, and I was startled to see that her handwriting was almost identical to my mom's. A couple times, when I was writing letters to someone, I stopped and looked at my handwriting, and realized I write my ss like my dad's.
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post #6 of 42
12/21/12 at 12:27am
Thread Starter 
^ Au contraire, Larimar: I find your handwriting to be not only perfectly legible, but elegantly Continental in style.

Aiona - It's funny how we adopt (consciously or unconsciously) others' letters, isn't it ? My lower-case 'd's have a left-leaning hook which I picked up some years ago after seeing a beautifully written 19th century diary. For the rest, I think my handwriting is vaguely Palmer-esque in style. I'm reasonably happy with it, though certain ligatures can be a bit irregular.

After reading the article, I've decided to try and send more postcards. Until now, I've only posted them when abroad, but actually, the idea of sending them to friends or family simply to say 'hi' really appeals to me.
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post #7 of 42
12/21/12 at 1:24am
Hmmm... what does 'Continental' translate to, my dear friend?
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post #8 of 42
12/21/12 at 1:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Larimar View Post

Hmmm... what does 'Continental' translate to, my dear friend?

auf Deutsch ? kontinental jajaja.

I was taught the most ugly form of handwriting at school - the round bodies of letters were instead re-shaped as triangles. I always envied my french cousins' handwriting, which seemed so sophisticated by contrast. Since then, I've always had a soft-spot for the kind of handwriting that was taught on the Continent, yours being no exception.
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post #9 of 42
12/21/12 at 3:24am
There is nothing wrong with you, G.! You are quite perfect
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post #10 of 42
12/21/12 at 5:58am
  • kbe
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Cursive is on the endangered species list here in the USA:

http://www.smokymountainnews.com/new...mixed-opinions
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post #11 of 42
12/21/12 at 9:57pm
Thank you for sharing this. Young people barely write these days; they type. A least my kids are old enough to have written out their schoolwork. Those early scrawls are precious; there's no joy in 'oh, look at the font my baby's selected', is there?
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post #12 of 42
12/21/12 at 11:47pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the article, kbe. I'd actually heard about this move in a podcast (http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/20...ng-digital-age). I suspect Britain will shortly follow.

jujy - handwritten notes are indeed precious. So much information is lost when it is presented in some homogenised, typeset format. The one exception would be if a note were printed in Comic Sans - everyone knows only nutjobs use Comic Sans. (Comic Sans walks into a bar and asks for a drink. The barman replies: "Sorry, we don't serve your type").

If cursive is no longer being taught and fewer and fewer people are putting pen to paper, what is the future of the love letter ? I don't know which would be worse: Receiving an amorous missive that was typed, or one that was printed in the hand of a 5 year old.
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post #13 of 42
12/22/12 at 1:06am
Good article. I haven't realized how much I missed human handwriting until I started to receive packages from kind BN folk. I agree: the handwriting does convey the personality of an author to some degree. There are very few things that are as original and personal as someone's handwriting; and if it is to become extinct one of these days, those days will be sad indeed.
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post #14 of 42
12/22/12 at 7:55am
i like handwriting. i own a couple of old fountain pens, the type you have to fill instead of using cartridges, with a relatively flexible golden nib. i have two antique lucky curves, one big red and a marbled set with a pencil, a nice parker 51 from the early days, and a dip pen.

i do not write enough letters, but i do write daily in notebooks and my agenda. there was a time when all of this was handled digitally, and for years my handwriting was going downhill. i had stopped writing cursive, the way i had learned it in school. it wasn't really writing, but rather just scribbling.

i'm happy to have picked this up. now that i care again, my handwriting has improved dramatically, and has become something to be enjoyed.
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post #15 of 42
12/22/12 at 11:49am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gido View Post

...
i'm happy to have picked this up. now that i care again, my handwriting has improved dramatically, and has become something to be enjoyed.

Absolutely. I often ink up a pen and take it for a spin for the sheer pleasure it brings. Doesn't matter if I'm writing a grocery list or a long letter to a friend.

Funnily enough, the same kinds of conversations take place on pen fora as on fragrance fora: Such and such an ink has been discontinued / reformulated, which ink garners the most compliments, show your pen of the day etc etc.

Anyway, sounds like you've got some lovely pens there, Gido. Enjoy !
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post #16 of 42
12/22/12 at 2:41pm
I did read a similar article on the BBC some weeks ago. Despite handwriting being regarded as a declining art, the sales of fountain pens have actually increased. Perhaps people celebrate the rare occasion where they put pen to paper by using a quality instrument.

I have kept a journal for many years now, and although it would be easier to record it electronically, there is something so satisfying and personal in formulating ones thoughts by literally connecting with the page.

Thanks for the link to the article Gandhajala, it warmed an old scribe's heart.
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post #17 of 42
12/24/12 at 2:50am
Thread Starter 
I think I saw that same article, Bartlebooth. There does seem to be a quiet resurgance going on - time will tell whether it is just another fad or something more substantial.
I still remember my first proper fountain pen. I was in France, visiting family, probably around 1989, and that year's must-have stationery item for la rentrée ( return to school after the Summer holidays ) was a Lamy Safari. I picked out a black one and promptly ruined it by spilling correction fluid on the body. Still, I had it for many years, and enjoyed being different to my class mates who all used biros. A fountain pen, to me, seemed so exotic and sophisticated. I also liked to use French ruled paper, though my teachers were less enthusiastic about it and forced me back to regular, lined pads.

I admire your persitence in keeping a journal. Like many, I've tried numerous times, but never stuck at it long. Do you journal every day ? Do you ever find your motivation slipping ? Perhaps I should give it another go.
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post #18 of 42
12/24/12 at 3:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gandhajala View Post

the round bodies of letters were instead re-shaped as triangles.

Triangles? Do you have an example?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jujy54 View Post

Those early scrawls are precious; there's no joy in 'oh, look at the font my baby's selected', is there?

LOL!

Quote:
Originally Posted by gandhajala View Post

what is the future of the love letter ? I don't know which would be worse: Receiving an amorous missive that was typed, or one that was printed in the hand of a 5 year old.

Oh, I object, gandhajala! I met my husband on the Internet, and he laughs because I saved his emails. Granted I printed them out. But they still make my heart pitter-patter!

Yesterday, we were at Mega-Mart, and I looked in the stationery section. Found it lacking. I was hoping to find boxes of stationery like the kinds I used to beg my mom to buy for me back when I had a host of pen-pals. (I moved around a lot as a child.) Husband said I'd probably have to check out a Hallmark store to find anything decent around here.
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post #19 of 42
12/24/12 at 4:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiona View Post

Triangles? Do you have an example ? .

Here's the style I was taught ( 2nd example, under heading 'Queensland' ):

http://peoplethings.com/andblog/rip-...iting-goodbye/

I disliked it then and I dislike it now.

As for the typed love letter, I was thinking about receiving an actual printed note in the mail rather than an email. Of course, the sentiment is always more important than the form. There's an old Jewish saying that words spoken from the heart go to the heart - your husband's correspondences were obviously written with real feeling, and that is a beautiful thing.
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post #20 of 42
12/24/12 at 12:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gandhajala View Post


I admire your persitence in keeping a journal. Like many, I've tried numerous times, but never stuck at it long. Do you journal every day ? Do you ever find your motivation slipping ? Perhaps I should give it another go.

I always found that keeping a journal was slightly easier than keeping a diary. In my mind the distinction was always that a diary would need an entry each day, and a journal would be a freer form which I could indulge in whenever the urge took me. My journals which now stretch back to the late seventies are certainly no Pepysian exercise in recording the minutiae of every day life, more a short entry of pertinent thoughts and feelings for the day. Simply recording the actions of the day becomes quite boring; recalling my reactions to them is more enjoyable, especially when re-reading them at a later date. Sometimes the entry might only be a single sentence, but it can say a great deal.

I favour a simple notebook(Leuchtturm1917) and even writing in the days date becomes an enjoyable part of the ritual.

Here is a link to the BBC article I mentioned previously.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18071830


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post #21 of 42
12/24/12 at 7:19pm
  • kbe
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This is the style of handwriting I was taught. Mine never quite made the grade however.
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post #22 of 42
12/24/12 at 9:00pm
My mother has exquisite cursive handwriting, she always has. I admired her so much as a child I worked hard to make my own handwriting as nice as hers, and I feel I've succeeded. Everyone always tells me at the office that they love my handwriting. I am always the one who is asked to fill out handwritten forms for my boss (he's French, his handwriting is atrocious). As of late, since I started boxing several years ago, my writing hand (right) is a bit swollen and subsequently my handwriting has changed - well, it's harder to write how I want. I have to really concentrate and go a bit slower to get the quiet elegance that before came easy, plus if I write too long my hand aches. My doctor wants me to see a hand specialist / neurologist, but I keep putting it off. In the meantime, I write less, but I still have a fond interest and appreciation for people who have wonderful handwriting.

I read an article on a professional calligrapher, a while ago. I remember reading it, thinking, OMG that's my dream job.
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post #23 of 42
12/25/12 at 8:02am
I have horrid handwriting unless I put my full mind to it, but a great signature. This thread inspires me to write more mindfully. There is satisfaction in doing that.
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post #24 of 42
12/28/12 at 7:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gandhajala View Post

Here's the style I was taught ( 2nd example, under heading 'Queensland' ):

http://peoplethings.com/andblog/rip-...iting-goodbye/

I disliked it then and I dislike it now.

Hm. Yeah, it is kinda odd-looking. I admit, I learned cursive the way kbe did, although I don't write quite like that anymore.
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post #25 of 42
12/28/12 at 8:05am
Thread Starter 
Here's a wonderful video of John DeCollibus demonstrating his calligraphic skills:



Oh how I wish I could produce such scripts...
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post #26 of 42
12/28/12 at 8:30am
Great article thanks! Although I can't say I can relate, personally. Nothing wrong with handwriting at all. I use it holiday cards and for other communications where an extra personal touch is called for...so I acknowledge the usefulness in that context. But I don't like it. It's just funny how people have such different views on how and why it is important. Loved the passage about his teacher's "European 7" with the dash through it being a sign of glamour and sophistication.

I, on the other hand, remember seeing handwriting as a necessary evil - a tool for storing information on paper. Being forced to learn and write cursive drove me positively insane in elementary school: I already know how to write, and this is slower and less legible, and it wastes ink, so why are we doing this? I abandoned cursive as soon as I was allowed and gradually modified my handwriting to be as efficient as possible, which came in handy when the time came to write reams upon reams of shorthand notes in my higher schooling years. And that was probably the nail in the coffin. I can type about three times as fast as I can write, and my hands don't cramp as a result....so, there it is. Is that sad?

But, maybe I'll give handwriting another try and put some thought into it (other than how to get it over with faster). The activity that isn't forced and necessary can become pleasurable, as Bartlebooth noted:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bartlebooth View Post

Despite handwriting being regarded as a declining art, the sales of fountain pens have actually increased. Perhaps people celebrate the rare occasion where they put pen to paper by using a quality instrument.
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post #27 of 42
12/28/12 at 1:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveJazz View Post

The activity that isn't forced and necessary can become pleasurable, as Bartlebooth noted:

I agree. Reading Thomas Hardy was an activity that was *much* more pleasurable when not forced, for me.
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post #28 of 42
1/9/13 at 12:39am
I've been wanting to make my handwriting into a font for some time now. Not so that people can forge my checks (cuz my signature is totally different than my normal handwriting anyway) but so I can use it in a book. Has anyone tried this?

http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/font...ing-as-a-font/
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post #29 of 42
1/11/13 at 11:38am
  • kbe
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My Oh My...this gentleman is gooood!
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post #30 of 42
1/11/13 at 4:41pm
Ooo.... that really is beautiful. I've been envious lately of the lovely calligraphy I see in Arabic, but really one finds it anywhere. Except Thai. I haven't seen Thai calligraphy....
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post #31 of 42
1/19/13 at 4:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gandhajala View Post

I enjoy using fountain pens, collecting inks, writing letters and buying interesting papers and note cards.
So I was very happy to come across this article in the Guardian entitled 'Why Handwriting Matters'.
I thought I'd share it and would love to hear your thoughts.

gandhaljala, have you ever put your fountain pen into the dryer for an accidental spin? And was it as bad or worse or better than if you'd put in a ballpoint pen?
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post #32 of 42
1/19/13 at 5:53am
Thread Starter 
^ Happily, no ! I've heard of fountain pens going in washing machines and the results weren't pretty. Much worse than with a ball-point pen, too. Have you had some kind of personal experience here, Aiona ?

For such reasons, I never carry pens in pockets. I basically have four fountain pens: Two really nice ones which stay at home, and two which travel about with me in my bag. Except when I fly: The cabin pressure can cause leaks.

Getting somewhat off topic, but does anyone else have pen-friends ? I have acquired half a dozen or so from around the world and really enjoy the exchange. People are so interesting when you get to talking.
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post #33 of 42
1/19/13 at 7:40am
  • kbe
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiona View Post

Ooo.... that really is beautiful. I've been envious lately of the lovely calligraphy I see in Arabic, but really one finds it anywhere. Except Thai. I haven't seen Thai calligraphy....

Here is one example of Thai calligraphy Aiona:

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post #34 of 42
1/19/13 at 1:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kbe View Post

Here is one example of Thai calligraphy Aiona:


Wow! I stand corrected, kbe. Your Google-Fu surpasses mine, sir.

Yeah, so I just bought a Kuratake fountain pen. I like to think it's not an impulse purchase. It's a work expense. I am writing a book that involves, but is not about calligraphy, if that makes sense. The nice thing about it is, that altho I can't stop myself from accidentally drying my ballpoint pens when 've only had three hours of interrupted sleep, I *can* remove foutntain pen ink with soap and water, as it's water soluble!!! Sure beats asphyxiating myself on rubbing alcohol. Supposedly old-fashioned shaving cream (the foaming type, not the gel) works too. If not, I am only out $1.97+tax, and I have a can of Barbasol to replace my nearly-empty Skintimates Baby Powder scent, which I don't really care for anyway. Phew! I do digress, don't I?

- - - Updated - - -
------------------------------------------------
My pens arrived today. (January 24, 2013)

Yeah. Pens. I bought two. You are such an enabler, gandhajala. No, but seriously. I really love the Lamy Safari. I used to have a fountain pen when I was in middle school, but this one seems to write much smoother.

I haven't tried the brush pen yet. A little intimidated.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gandhajala View Post

Getting somewhat off topic, but does anyone else have pen-friends ? I have acquired half a dozen or so from around the world and really enjoy the exchange. People are so interesting when you get to talking.

Nope, you're the only "friend" I know who has a fountain pen. But maybe I can make more. Aiona Jr. is learning to write. He can make Is and Os now. Aiona Jr. #2 can only blow bubbles, yet.
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post #35 of 42
1/25/13 at 2:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aiona View Post

Aiona Jr. is learning to write. He can make Is and Os now. Aiona Jr. #2 can only blow bubbles, yet.

haha
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post #36 of 42
1/25/13 at 7:14pm
  • kbe
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This short video shows that beautiful calligraphy can be created almost anywhere.


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post #37 of 42
3/6/13 at 10:02am
Brushing up on my kanji. I broke out the Kuretake No. 50 brush pen today. Oh, it's so much harder than it looks!!!!
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post #38 of 42
3/7/13 at 1:01pm
I used to have beautiful handwriting (copper plate, after a fashion) and I had a lovely collection of gorgeous fountain pens and enjoyed writing immensely.

Unfortunately I no longer have about 90% of the use of my dominant hand, so whilst I can just about squeeze out a signature which is vaguely representative of my old signature, everything else I can manage is a scrawl of which a doctor would be proud.

Boooooooo
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post #39 of 42
3/7/13 at 1:22pm
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kbe - that video's so beautiful.
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post #40 of 42
3/7/13 at 10:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kbe View Post

This short video shows that beautiful calligraphy can be created almost anywhere.



What talent!
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post #41 of 42
3/8/13 at 2:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sfmedusa View Post

I used to have beautiful handwriting (copper plate, after a fashion) and I had a lovely collection of gorgeous fountain pens and enjoyed writing immensely.

Unfortunately I no longer have about 90% of the use of my dominant hand, so whilst I can just about squeeze out a signature which is vaguely representative of my old signature, everything else I can manage is a scrawl of which a doctor would be proud.

Interesting. After my dad's stroke, his handwriting changed as well. Got smaller. Like micro-script. It was weird. It was his handwriting... just really small!
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post #42 of 42
5/5/13 at 10:18am
  • kbe
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More beautiful calligraphy from Seb Lester:


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