Roman Capitals Defined

Bold, clear, and logical, and so beautiful, The Roman alphabet remains a staggering monument of human invention. For 2000 years its letters have remained constant in their classic proportions despite countless twists in fashion and taste, and they will continue to do so as no improvement has yet been made on their architecture for more than twenty centuries.

Whether you design type, draw lettering or write copperplate, a day spent in the practical study of the Roman Capitals (often referred to as capitalis monumentalis or Imperial Roman Capitals is absolutely essential. Known as capitalis quadrata in their pen made form, these capitals are the genisis of every writing system we know, and have been revived and studied since the era of Charlemagne. They have also been distorted to produce the myriad of writing hands and fonts that have evolved from their foundation.

Which is why their understanding is foundational.

Spend the day learning how to write using this system, as you discover the secrets of its proportions, and also learn how it has been studied by Type Designers and Calligraphers such as Frederic Goudy, Paul Renner, Eric Gill.

After completion of the day's investigation, your ability to space letters accurately will be much improved, as will your eye for pleasing typographic proportions.