– **History**:
– Platt Rogers Spencer developed Spencerian script in 1840.
– Spencer aimed for a quick, legible script inspired by nature.
– The availability of steel pens influenced the evolution of Spencerian script.
– Spencer established a school to teach his script, quickly spreading its popularity.
– Spencerian script became the standard in the U.S. until the typewriter era.
– **Features**:
– Spencerian Method emphasizes rhythmic, comfortable strokes for capital letters.
– Lowercase letters in Spencerian are delicate and less shaded compared to Copperplate.
– Spencerian script is written with a slant of 52 degrees.
– The script’s elegance and unique style set it apart from other handwriting methods.
– Ornamental Script, a variant of Spencerian, emerged due to artistic developments.
– **Continued Use**:
– Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola logos are written in Spencerian script.
– F. M. Robinson, possibly a Spencerian school graduate, designed the Coca-Cola logo.
– Despite changes over time, the current Coca-Cola logo retains Spencerian features.
– The Palmer Method eventually replaced Spencerian in primary schools for efficiency.
– Spencerian script’s influence remains in various iconic logos and designs.
– **See Also**:
– Copperplate script is associated with English Roundhand.
– DNealian and Zaner-Bloser are variations of Spencerian script.
– Palmer Method replaced Spencerian as the most popular handwriting system.
– Round hand is a historical handwriting style originating in England.
– Teaching script methods like Spencerian have evolved over time.
– **References**:
– Various sources provide insights into the history and development of Spencerian script.
– Books and articles discuss the influence of Spencerian on American penmanship.
– The legacy of Spencerian script is documented in publications and historical accounts.
Spencerian script is a script style based on Copperplate script that was used in the United States from approximately 1850 to 1925, and was considered the American de facto standard writing style for business correspondence prior to the widespread adoption of the typewriter. Spencerian script, an American form of cursive handwriting, was also widely integrated into the school system as an instructional method until the "simpler" Palmer Method replaced it. President James A. Garfield called the Spencerian script, "the pride of our country and the model of our schools."
