Bill of Lading.
G. Bickham sculp.
[n.d. c.1741.]
Engraving. 89 x 178mm. 3½ x 7". Cut.
George Bickham, who in The Universal Penman, published in parts between 1733 and 1741, gathered together examples of contemporary handwriting by all the best masters of the day, and produced one of the most splendid of English copy books. The end of the 17th century saw the beginning of a new era. With the increase of trade at home, and with English merchant shipping penetrating to ever-more-distant parts of the globe, there was a need for more and more clerks and accountants. In the busy world of commerce, what was most necessary was a good clear hand, easily learnt and easily read. So that, after the great variety of styles prevalent earlier, the English round-hand, a composite form which at its best was both practical and legible, became supreme. This hand, carried round the world by bills of lading, letters of credit and other commercial documents, gave the 18th century English writing masters a position in society.
[Ref: 21061] £65.00
[n.d. c.1741.]
Engraving. 89 x 178mm. 3½ x 7". Cut.
George Bickham, who in The Universal Penman, published in parts between 1733 and 1741, gathered together examples of contemporary handwriting by all the best masters of the day, and produced one of the most splendid of English copy books. The end of the 17th century saw the beginning of a new era. With the increase of trade at home, and with English merchant shipping penetrating to ever-more-distant parts of the globe, there was a need for more and more clerks and accountants. In the busy world of commerce, what was most necessary was a good clear hand, easily learnt and easily read. So that, after the great variety of styles prevalent earlier, the English round-hand, a composite form which at its best was both practical and legible, became supreme. This hand, carried round the world by bills of lading, letters of credit and other commercial documents, gave the 18th century English writing masters a position in society.
[Ref: 21061] £65.00