The occasional letters may be more decoratively treated (see Responses and Rubrics, p. [345]) by introducing the further contrasts of colour (p. [144]) or form (p. [336]). [p330]
Contrasts of form, “weight,” and size.—These are generally obtained by the use of large built-up Capitals, together with a simple-written (or ordinarily printed) text (fig. [187]).
A marked contrast usually being desirable, the built-up capitals (especially if black) are kept quite distinct from the rest of the text (see fig. [197]): if they are scattered among the other letters they are apt to show like blots and give an appearance of irregularity to the whole. As a rule, the effect is improved by the use of red or another colour (see figs. [91], [93]).
Contrast of form—for decorative purposes—is usually combined with contrast of weight (e.g. “Gothic,” heavier, p. [336]) or size (e.g. Capitals, larger, p. [371]).
ORNAMENTAL LETTERS (See Chaps. VII., VIII., X., XII., & pp. [34], [251], [26])
To give ornament its true value we must distinguish between ordinary occasions when simplicity and directness are required, and special occasions when elaboration is desirable or necessary.
The best way to make ornamental letters is to [p331] develop them from the simpler forms. Any plain type may be decoratively treated for special purposes—some part or parts of the letters usually being rationally “exaggerated” (p. [252]). Free stems, “branches,” tails, &c., may be drawn out, and terminals or serifs may be decorated or flourished (fig. [203]).
Built-Up Forms.—Even greater license (see fig. [161]) is allowed in Built-Up Letters—as they are less under the control of the tool (p. [292])—and their natural decorative development tends to produce a subordinate simple line decoration beside or upon their thicker parts (fig. [189] & p. [26]). In MSS. the typical built-up, ornamental form is the “Versal” (see Chap. VII.), which developed—or degenerated—into the “Lombardic” (fig. [1]). Here again it is preferable to keep to the simpler form and to develop a natural decorative treatment of it for ourselves.