Everyone associated with the Stanford University Calligraphy Collection was delighted when UK Calligrapher, Mary Noble, donated three of her artworks to the growing Collection. Mary is a calligrapher at the top of her game and specialises in innovative lettering as well as beautifully written brush lettering as shown here with ‘Et Semel …’, a Latin quotation written by Horace.
Mary’s thoughts behind producing this piece were: ‘My love affair with Rustics drew me to seek an appropriate Latin quotation that would feature all my favourite letters! As I had recently witnessed words said then regretted, this quote was perfect. The pencil translation is in Rustics-inspired letterform focusing on the strong diagonals.’
Mary’s writing can also be free and expressive as here in this quotation by John Muir. Using a ruling pen and a pointed nib, the word ‘Wilderness’, as Mary writes, required a very free form to the lettering.
She says about this piece: ‘John Muir’s outlook on life and all living things always encourages hope, and at more than a century after his death they are potent reminders of what we may lose. the word ‘wilderness’ demanded free interpretation, grounded by the contrasted line of text. The gold is to hint at secrets to be enjoyed in nature.’
Mary’s third piece – ‘What do you do for your soul?’ – shows a different approach again. Using her favoured brushes, and this time with a lead pencil as well, Mary writes that she enjoyed making every letter!
‘I was posed this question some years ago by Sue Cavendish, who was quoting a past friend in the calligraphy world. It gave me pause to think, and to enlarge the thought with the later-found proverb – ‘the desire accomplished is sweet to the soul’. Assembling this composition was my response to the question, as I enjoyed making every letter.’
We are all delighted that we have such excellent and different work from a truly inspiring calligrapher and are pleased that her work is represented in this most prestigious Collection which goes from strength to strength.