This is the text from a piece of Calligraphy entitled "Honour". It was written by Willington Clark in 1736 and has been my favourite example of calligraphy ever since I first saw it c1960.
Some years ago, knowing how much I admired it, fellow member and calligrapher AnasaziWrites, (Mike Moore) kindly sent me this original page from an early edition of The Universal Penman . I had it framed and since then it has remained the only piece of calligraohy on display in my workroom.
When I was first starting out, I read this piece of advice which has stayed with me ever since. "Enjoy the praise and admiration of others but be csreful not to believe your own publicity or your progress will end there" From time tio time my calligraphy has been praised by others and whilst this is very pleasant and gratifying, I have made it my practice to look again at this marvellous, beautiful calligraphy and bring myself back to esrth when I see what could be achieved by human hand.
The main purpose of this post is to humbly offer this advice no matter what stage you are at. Have a copy of your favourite piece of calligraphy to hand at all times. Briefly enjoy the compliments from others when they occur, and then study your favourite piece of calligraphy again. Although it can be a bit of a reality check, it can be of great value as you are reminded what you are aiming for. As a result, you will continue to develop and improve. I have followed this procedure for many yesrs and feel that I am still making some progress even at the age of eighty-five.
