Chicago Sign Writing in The Origin of the Serif

The Origin of the Serif is Edward Catich’s exposition of his theory that carved Roman inscriptions originated from hand-painted letterforms. His experience as a union sign painter in Chicago played no small part in developing the insights behind the theory, and the book sets out his arguments in great detail.The final chapter, ‘Chicago sign writing’, advances the notion that, despite their two millennia of separation, early twentieth century Chicago sign painters and Roman letter painters were not so different in their abilities with respect to speed and brush handling. With the kind permission of St. Ambrose University, I am reproducing that chapter here for your benefit.📖The Origin of the Serif was first published in 1968. The second edition, edited by Mary W. Gilroy, curator of the Catich Gallery at St. Ambrose University, was published in 1991 and has remained in print ever since. This later edition (ISBN 0962974005) is available here in the BLAG shop.Chicago Sign WritingBy Edward…