Papers of Anna Hornby

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The collection contains letters from Alfred John Fairbank to Anna Hornby, 1952-79; articles written by Fairbank on calligraphy, 1953-74; samples of his handwriting; translations by Anna Hornby of two Italian handwriting manuals, 1953, and pages from the original works, 1566.

Dates

Creation: 1566, 1952-79

Extent

0.2 Linear metres (2 physical shelfmarks)

Language of Materials

English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. c. 5890, fols. 1-2].

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Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Eng. c. 5890, e. 3402

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 15628

Additional Description

Abstract

Letters and writings of Alfred John Fairbank, relating to calligraphy, 1952-79, and pages of handwriting manuals, 1566

Biographical / Historical

Anna Hornby (1914-1996) was Honorary Secretary of the Society for Italic Handwriting, from its foundation in 1952, until 1962. For further information see her obituary in The Scribe no. 66 (Spring 1996). Through her interest in calligraphy and her association with the Society, she became acquainted with Alfred John Fairbank. She was a founding member of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators in 1921, and was also involved in the foundation of the Society for Italic Handwriting in 1952. For further information see Dictionary of National Biography.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Given by Anna Hornby, 1995.

Separated Materials

Incomplete copy of Giovanni Battista Palatino, Compendio del gran volume de l'arte del bene et leggiadramente scrivere tuttele sorti di lettere et caratteri, con le lor regole misure et essempi (Rome, 1566) is Vet. F1 d. 73. A copy of John Howard Benson, The First Writing Book [:] an English translation and facsimile text of Arrighi's Operina, the first manual of the Chancery hand, with introduction and notes by John Howard Benson (New Haven, 1954) is Rec. e. 249.