Lloyd Reynolds

Friday, March 17th 2023

Lloyd Reynolds (1902-1978) was an American calligrapher, teacher, and author who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the revival of calligraphy in the United States in the mid-20th century.

Reynolds began his career as a journalist, but became interested in calligraphy after seeing a book on the subject in a bookstore. He began studying calligraphy and eventually became a student of the English calligrapher Edward Johnston, who is credited with reviving the art of calligraphy in the early 20th century.

After returning to the United States, Reynolds began teaching calligraphy at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where he developed a rigorous curriculum that emphasized the study of historical models and the importance of letterforms as a means of artistic expression. He also became a prolific author, writing several influential books on calligraphy, including "Calligraphy for the Beginner" and "Italics: Beautiful Handwriting for Everyone."

Reynolds was known for his mastery of several different calligraphic styles, including Roman, Italic, and Gothic. He was also a proponent of the use of the broad-edged pen in calligraphy, which he felt was essential for achieving a full range of expressive strokes and shapes.

Examples of Reynolds' work can be found in a number of museums and collections, including the Reed College Library Special Collections and the Portland Art Museum. Many of his calligraphic models and instructional materials are also available in print and online, making them a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning the art of calligraphy.