Before there were typefaces and fonts to create uniformity in printed works, there were scribes specially trained in different styles of handwriting. Gothic script (also known as blackletter) was a kind of writing used in Europe from the 12th century through the 17th century. Though Gothic script can look homogenous, every writer’s version could be different. Each scribe had their own quirks that came from their schooling, geographic location, skill level, and more. Close inspection of a text can reveal a scribe’s idiosyncrasies. Even in an attempt at uniformity, individuality perseveres!
On December 2nd from 2pm to 4pm, we will have some manuscripts from the 13th century on display in the colonnade. Will you be able to spot the differences between the hands?