Edward Johnston's Contributions to the Art of Lettering

Abstract

Edward Johnston (1872-1944) was an English calligrapher, typographer and educator, considered one of the pioneers of modern graphic design. In the late 19th century, at a time when the traditional art of calligraphy was fading into oblivion, he helped revive and integrate it into the world of modern design. Johnston saw calligraphy not only as a form of aesthetic ornamentation but as a powerful tool for understanding the essence of communication and writing. His 1906 book "Writing, Illuminating, & Lettering" laid the foundations for modern calligraphic practice. In this work, he encouraged the study and practice of calligraphy by providing detailed explanations of the correct proportions, emphasis, and rhythm of lettering. In 1899 he began teaching calligraphy at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, where he inspired students in ornament, calligraphy and typography. One of his students, Eric Gill, was influenced by Johnston's principles in his own famous typographic designs. His work led to the resurrection of old calligraphic types, rules and materials that had been all but forgotten. Johnston not only developed fonts but also made great efforts in calligraphy education. With the students he trained and the workshops he conducted, he revived his interest in calligraphy. In this way, he ensured that calligraphy was passed on to future generations. His work has enabled calligraphy to go beyond being just a traditional art form and become one of the cornerstones of modern graphic design and communication. By revitalizing calligraphy, Edward Johnston shaped the future of this art form and made it a discipline that responds to the aesthetic and communication needs of the modern world. In 1916, his original and easy-to-read typeface for the London Underground, also known as the "Underground Alphabet", is considered one of the pioneers of the sans serif fonts of the modern era. In particular, Johnston's approach to typography changed the modern understanding of typography, which focused on simplicity, cleanliness and readability.