By Ruth Rowland
Publishing: Jane Austen - The Folio Society . Creative Bloq Interview
I was delighted to be commissioned by The Folio Society to create a set of hand lettered monograms for The Complete Novels of Jane Austen.
Hand Lettered Monograms for The Complete Novels of Jane Austen by The Folio Society
Created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, The Folio Society have published a luxurious six-volume edition of her novels. The books are bound with woven mulberry silk and cotton cloth, from Stephen Walters, the luxury silk-maker, who wove the silk for Princess Diana’s wedding dress.
Hand Lettered Monograms for The Complete Novels of Jane Austen by The Folio Society: Detail
Beautifully illustrated throughout by illustrator and printmaker, Sarah Young, I was asked to create a style of lettering to complement her pattern design for the cover. The hand lettering references copperplate calligraphy, the style behind Jane Austen’s elegant handwriting, as well as historical monograms from the 1700s.
Hand Lettered Monograms for The Complete Novels of Jane Austen: Woven Silk and Clothbound Covers
Instead of using a traditional copperplate nib, I worked with a pointed brush to add a little more weight and legibility to the letters. This retained the flowing line and form of the historical script, while giving the monograms a contemporary feel. The set of six monograms were then set within oval cameos on the spines of the books. I enjoyed taking inspiration from historical reference material from the era the books were written, including Austen’s own handwriting and giving it a modern twist for contemporary readers.
You can learn more about the making of the books from The Folio Society's videos at jacquard weaving specialists, Stephen Walters and master bookbinders, Smith Settle. It is fascinating to see the skill behind every stage of the production and it was a privilege to be asked to work on such a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully produced series of books.
If you'd like to see more of my hand lettered titles and cover art for books, take a look at my Publishing folder or browse my hand lettered author logos, designed to work as branding across a series of covers.
