Fairbank Collection

This material is held atUniversity of Birmingham, Cadbury Research Library, Special Collections

  • Reference
    • GB 150 MS272
  • Dates of Creation
    • 11th century- c 1860
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English Latin
  • Physical Description
    • 36 items

Scope and Content

Fragments primarily from medieval manuscripts collected by Alfred Fairbank for use as specimens in his studies of letter-forms. The collection comprises a variety of scripts mainly on parchment ranging from partial fragments of leaves from early Latin writings and leaves from Latin tracts to entire deeds with seals. The majority of the pieces are of plain text whilst a few have illuminated decorated initials, including a mounted piece Fairbank received as a Christmas gift in 1973; another item was received as a Christmas gift in 1930.

The earliest item (MS272/A/1) is apparently the oldest item held in collections here apart from material in the Mingana and Rendel Harris collections.

Administrative / Biographical History

Alfred John Fairbank (1895-1982) was an English calligrapher of considerable influence. He was a student of Edward Johnston at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and later a founder member of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators. He also founded the Society for Italic Writing. In 1951 he was awarded the CBE. His publications include 'A handwriting manual' 1932 and 'A book of scripts' 1949.
Source: www.knowuk.co.uk and www.myfonts.com (10 Dec 2006)

Access Information

Open. Access to all registered researchers.

Acquisition Information

Puchased at Sotheby's auction, October 1982; provenance unknown

Other Finding Aids

Please see full catalogue for more information.

Archivist's Note

Alfred John Fairbank (1895-1982) was an English calligrapher of considerable influence. He was a student of Edward Johnston at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and later a founder member of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators. He also founded the Society for Italic Writing. In 1951 he was awarded the CBE. His publications include 'A handwriting manual' 1932 and 'A book of scripts' 1949.
Source: www.knowuk.co.uk and www.myfonts.com (10 Dec 2006)

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to make any published use of any material from the collection must be sought in advance in writing from the Director of Special Collections (email: special-collections@contacts.bham.ac.uk). Identification of copyright holders of unpublished material is often difficult. Special Collections will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.

Custodial History

Former location: MSS 5/ii/28

Related Material

The Humphreys Bequest comprises many other calligraphic and palaeographic examples (ref: KWH)