Copperplate script
Style of calligraphic writing
Copperplate script is a roundhand script based on English Roundhand. Although often used as an umbrella term for various forms of pointed-pen calligraphy, copperplate most accurately refers to script styles represented in copybooks created using engraved copper plates.
Earlier versions of this script required a broad-edged quill pen. Later, with the rise of industrialization, the use of more flexible and durable fine-point metal nibs became widespread.
Many masters offered their contributions in defining the aesthetic canons of the copperplate script, but the work of the writing master and engraver George Bickham stood out as fundamental. In his book The Universal Penman (1733-1741), Bickham collected script samples from twenty-five of the most talented London writing masters.
Copperplate was undoubtedly the most widespread script in the period between the 17th and 18th centuries, and its influence spread not only throughout Europe but also in North America.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Copperplate script”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Bickham-letter-detail.png by George Bickham, Public domain
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