Celebrating 50 Years: Spotlight on the Harrison Collection of Calligraphy and Lettering

Harrison Collection bookplate designed 

by James Hayes, 1982

In the world of calligraphy one public collection stands out: The Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy and Lettering. Located in the Book Arts & Special Collections Center, the Harrison Collection is one of the most remarkable collections of its kind, a storehouse of original calligraphic manuscripts, as well as fine prints, broadsides, roughs, drawings and sketches. While the focus is on contemporary calligraphy, a look back at the development of bookhands is represented in a selection of medieval through seventeenth century leaves.

San Francisco resident Richard Harrison (1909-1990) loved and practiced calligraphy; he corresponded with scribes whose work he commissioned and later gave to the San Francisco Public Library. Harrison’s gift coincided with the opening of the Special Collections Department, becoming a cornerstone collection that would include the Grabhorn Collection on the History of Printing and the Development of the Book, and the Schmulowitz Collection of Wit and Humor.

Thomas Ingmire, Saucy Jacks, 1993

Included in the collection are original works by English calligrapher and watercolor artist Marie Angel and San Francisco calligrapher Thomas Ingmire, both of whom are a special focus of the collection. Recent acquisitions include the work of world-renowned local calligrapher Georgia Deaver, teacher and artist Arne Wolf, as well as calligraphy by Carl Rohrs, Monica Dengo, Luca Barcellona, Massimo Pollelo, Christopher Haanes, and Judy Detrick.

"A rose is a rose is a rose" by Gertrude Stein. Calligraphy by Georgia Deaver, circa 1980s.

A key feature of the Harrison Collection is its accessibility. The collection is open to anyone with an interest in calligraphy, without appointment. Because of its visual qualities and grounding in the handwritten letter, the collection merits study by students, artists, and practitioners from around the world. We look forward to another 50 years of calligraphic pleasures in the Library’s Special Collections.