ROMAN HOLIDAY 2024 - ONLINE - Tom Perkins - Simple Geometric Analysis of the Letters on Trajan’s Column & Drawing Contemporary Capitals as Illustrated

Simple Geometric Analysis of the Letters on Trajan’s Column & Drawing Contemporary Capitals as Illustrated by Tom Perkins – Level: (A) All Levels

Note: This class offering is ONLINE. Online participants will choose a total of 30 hours of online instruction (two 15-hour classes or one 30-hour class) via live and/or recorded participation. Schedule will be posted prior to class selection.

Edward Johnston defined the three qualities of good lettering as Simplicity, Distinctiveness and Proportion. Given the importance Johnston placed on Proportion, it is astonishing that people studying the inscription on Trajan’s Column often neglect to recreate the letters with any degree of accuracy. This class aims to show a simple geometric method which enables the recreation of these archetypal forms with great accuracy. Little geometrical knowledge is needed to do this. The method used has a beautiful economy to it and will greatly enhance your understanding of these iconic forms.

After the Trajan analysis, and as a form of contrast to it, we will draw freehand a more contemporary letter which I refer to as my ’ Dynamic Capitals’. I evolved my own version of these letters in the 1980’s and have used them in both more formal and freely composed inscriptions. ‘ It is a poor age which has nothing to contribute of its own’ and I see these letters as having classical roots and also some calligraphic influence in their structure. A letter for our own time.

Class Supplies:

• P32, P203. Preferably A2 pad of paper: layout paper preferred, but cartridge or other paper is OK. A3 size is acceptable but not as satisfactory as A2.
• PL38. HB pencil
• E13. Eraser
• S417. Craft (X-acto) knife
• S270. Ruler
• S613. Set-square (plastic triangle)
• Compasses
• S1145. Tape, e.g. masking tape