Learning To Write Spencerian Script

Spencerian Script is a vintage form of ornamental penmanship that was popular a century ago; its golden age lasted from approximately 1850 to 1925. Today it's practically a lost art, but with careful study and diligent practice, it can be learned by anyone. Michael Sull suggests using this collection of instructional material as a follow-up to learning American Cursive as letter height and spacing are similar. Spencerian capitals have more curves (primary difference) and several of the lowercase letters are different but Spencerian capitals can be used with the American Cursive lowercase. The Text is a small (75 pgs, 7" x 8.25") spiral-bound book and, as you might expect (and hope), a beginning chunk of the book is devoted to writing equipment and tools. Strokes, then letters are illustrated and taught with possible variations shown; lowercase first, then capitals, with numbers thrown in for good measure. The Practice Set includes instructions and guide sheets as well as 29 pages of Spencerian exercises. Both the beginner height (1/8") and the advanced height (3/32") are included in this set. Keep in mind these line heights are for body letters. 3/8" and 5/16," respectively, are provided for upper and lower extenders. The Beginner and Advanced Practice Tablets provide 50 additional blank (no letters) guide sheets for additional practice in each of the heights. The cross drill is a unique exercise for developing proper letter spacing in which the student writes practice script across the page horizontally then turns the page 90° and writes the same exercise vertically in between the previous one. The Cross Drill Tablet provides 50 specially marked practice sheets for this exercise. Practice material includes Bible verses. ~ Janice