‘Plate 16’ from Manuscript & Inscription Letters for Schools & Classes & for the Use of Craftsmen

1911 (i.e. third impression, reprint of the second impression, 1916)

Special Collections NK3600 J59 1916

London: John Hogg

In 1900, Gill was employed as an architect’s assistant in the London firm of W.D. Caröe, specialists in ecclesiastical architecture. He learnt quickly about the drawing up of architectural plans and the principles and techniques of buildings, especially churches and cathedrals. He also enrolled in classes in practical masonry at the Westminster Technical Institute. Lettering on stone was something Gill enjoyed; there was the physicality: finding the right stone, banging away swiftly and surely on the surface; and the sharp chisels of the right temper to obtain the desired result. One of his first jobs was lettering (inscribing) a tombstone for which he was paid £5. Here is a photograph of Gill’s 'Roman letters'.