NOTES ON CONSTRUCTION OF VERSALS
(See figs. [80], [81], [85], [165])
Versal Letters are properly built-up (p. [291]) with true pen-strokes (b, fig. [81]). Drawn or painted, they acquire a different character (p. [292]). Their office being to mark important parts of the text, they are generally distinguished by colour and freedom of form—tending to curves and flourishes.
The pen has an extra long slit (12 inch to 34 inch), and the writing-board may be lowered (see fig. [46], b) to permit of the thick, liquid colour running out freely. The nib is of the ordinary shape (but not too oblique), and generally rather less in width than the nib used for the accompanying text (a, fig. [81]).
The outlining strokes are quickly written and immediately filled in, each letter being loaded well with the colour, which thereafter dries evenly, with a slightly raised “flat” surface. The liquid colour should be fairly thick (see colour, p. [176]).
“Gothic lettering” is a term used for “Black-letter” and related types, as distinguished from “Roman” types. “Gothic” capitals tend to roundness, the small-letters to angularity, but in each the abrupt change from thick to thin strokes, and the resulting contrast of stroke, are characteristics—the result of pen work.[24] In Versals this contrast is marked; the ends of the thinner strokes spread (see Addenda, p. [25], & cross-bar of A, fig. [71]), and the heavy parts are crossed by thin serifs. Versals may retain their pen character and yet approach [p119] the “Roman Letter” (p. [294]), or be changed into the ornate “Lombardic” (p. [34]). They are capable of great variety, and the “round” or “square” D, E, H, M, and W may be used at pleasure.
The Stems curve in slightly on either side. When they are very tall the mid part may be quite straight, imperceptibly curving out towards the ends (b, fig. [82]). This gives an effect of curvature throughout the length, while keeping the letter graceful and straight. The head of a stem (especially of an ascender) should be slightly wider than the foot (fig. [83]). This applies generally to every sort of built-up capitals.