Alphabets, numerals & devices of the Middle Ages
Henry Shaw's 1843 London alphabet and numeral sheet, published by William Pickering for designers and craftsmen, reproduces medieval decorative capitals in several techniques. The pictures show ornate initials in red, gilt and blue, engraved or relief-style monograms in square frames, and decorated capitals with interlaced, foliate and zoomorphic ornament, offering a designer a working range of historical display lettering to adapt.
