Collection Guide
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Finding Aid to the Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy of Calligraphy & Lettering
1201-2023
BASC 2
BASC 2
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Book Arts & Special Collections, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco 94102
Telephone: 415-557-4560
bookarts@sfpl.org
Title: Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy of Calligraphy & Lettering
Creator:
Harrison, Richard, 1909-1990
Identifier/Call Number: BASC 2
Physical Description:
126 manuscript boxes, 24 oversized flat boxes, 45 flat files
(63 Cubic Feet)
Date (inclusive): 1201-2023
Date (bulk): (bulk 1911 - 2023)
Abstract: This collection contains more than 3,000 examples of contemporary calligraphy including: original specimens, manuscripts,
broadsides, handwritten books, fine prints, teaching sheets, drawings, and sketches by approximately 500 scribes and lettering
artists. Perspective on the development of book hands is provided by a selection of medieval through 17th century leaves and
books. Acquisitions to this collection are ongoing.
Physical Location: The collection is stored on site.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are primarily in English.
Collection is open for research and is available for use during Book Arts & Special Collections hours.
Copyright has not been assigned to the San Francisco Public Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from
materials must be submitted in writing to Book Arts & Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of
the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
[Identification of items], Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering, Marjorie G. and Carl W. Stern Book Arts
& Special Collections, San Francisco Public Library.
San Franciscan Richard Harrison donated his private collection of contemporary calligraphy to the Library in 1963; he continued
his support until his death in 1990. The collection was organized by City Librarian William Holman and Theo Jung, calligrapher
and book designer, and opened to the public in 1964.
Researchers are encouraged to read Richard Harrison's interview with Anne Englund, Special Collections Librarian, San Francisco
Public Library (1976), and
A Scribe's Treasure: Calligraphy in the San Francisco Public Library by John Prestianni (2005)
.
Many materials are fragile and may not be photocopied. All materials are housed in archival folders and boxes.
Richard Harrison was born in Lithuania in 1909 and came to the United States as a young child, where his family settled in
Hazelton, Pennsylvania. It was there that Richard Harrison's interest in calligraphy began. In 1925 he moved with his family
to the West Coast, spending most of his adult life in San Francisco. He entered the California School of Fine Arts after high
school; nurturing a life-long interest in art, Harrison embarked on the serious study and practice of calligraphy in 1954.
He also began to collect original calligraphy, concentrating on work by English calligraphers.
With the encouragement of San Francisco Public Library's City Librarian William Holman and Theo Jung, calligrapher and graphic
designer, Richard Harrison donated his collection which became part of Rare Books and Special Collections (now Book Arts &
Special Collections) in 1963-1964, and became the principal donor and one of the founders of the collection. Richard Harrison
died on March 29, 1990. Over the years the collection expanded to include a wide range of international calligraphers, an
outstanding representation of contemporary calligraphy.
The collection contains more than 3,000 examples of calligraphy by approximately 500 American and International calligraphers
and lettering artists mainly from the 20th and 21st centuries, in various formats including: calligraphic specimens, original
manuscripts, broadsides and handwritten books; drawings and sketches; writing books; copy books; and teaching sheets. Stages
of calligraphic production are included here: sketches, drawings, drafts, and mockups as seen in the work of Thomas Ingmire,
Georgia Deaver, and Michael Clark. The alphabet slates of Christopher Stinehour and Edward M. Catich, plus Catich's 1970 rubbing
of the Trajan Inscription may be found in the collection. The collection also contains calligraphic prints and posters. Handwritten
letters from international calligraphers, mostly in Italic handwriting, may be found in the collection. The collection has
a special focus on the work of Thomas Ingmire and Marie Angel. Perspective on the development of book hands is provided by
a selection of medieval through 17th century leaves and books. A reference collection of over 2,000 volumes and 26 periodical
titles supports the practice and study of calligraphy.
The Book Arts & Special Collection Center continues to acquire original calligraphy of international lettering artists which
enriches the Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering.
The collection is arranged alphabetically by calligraphers' surnames.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Calligraphy.
calligraphy (visual works)
Lettering.
Illuminated manuscripts.
Bookhands.