Society of Scribes and Illuminators
Quick Summary
The Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SIS) is a professional organization based in London, founded in 1921 by students of the British calligrapher Edward Johnston. Its primary aim is to promote the art of handwriting and illumination, encouraging the creation of books and documents by hand. The society fosters the crafts of scribes, gilders, and illuminators through lectures, publications, and exhibitions, welcoming anyone interested in calligraphy. The SIS played a role in the broader revival of calligraphy in the 19th and 20th centuries, a movement that emphasized manual artistry against increasing mechanization. Calligraphy itself is the art of beautiful handwriting, where skill in forming letters creates a work of art, which may not always be legible in the conventional sense. Illuminated manuscripts are handwritten books decorated with gold, silver, or vibrant colors, featuring elaborate designs or miniature pictures, with Europe having a long and rich tradition in this art form.123
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