Untitled 1855 - 1868

Georgina Cowper's album page, created in 1868, presents a decorative exploration of script and form. The words of "Auld Lang Syne" are not merely written but embellished. The lettering dominates the composition, with red ink bringing a warmth to the page, complemented by delicate brown flourishes. These curling tendrils and dotted patterns surround and penetrate the text, blurring the boundary between word and ornamentation. The letterforms are not uniform, with varying thickness and decorative serifs, creating a visual rhythm. This piece engages with the semiotics of script. It's not just the words themselves but their visual presentation that conveys meaning. The elaborateness of the design suggests a sense of value and preciousness. Cowper's approach challenges the functional role of writing, transforming it into an art form. The structure of the poem becomes a canvas for exploring design elements.