New edition of Writing & Illuminating & Lettering, by Paul Felton

Designer Paul Felton has created a new edition of Edward Johnston’s 1917 text Writing & Illuminating & Lettering.

The updated book has been published by independent publisher D&B Books, and celebrates 100 years since Johnston completed his iconic designs for the London Underground.

David Dunn, founder at D&B Books, says the book aims to “promote and restore Johnston’s position as one of Britain’s greatest designers and craftsmen”.

The design of the book aims to “adhere to the principles” Johnston describes in the book itself, Dunn adds, on typography, calligraphy, illuminating, lettering and typesetting.

Dunn says the page layouts have been overhauled, realigning text and illustrations, and incorporating typefaces including Imprint and P22 Underground. Soft binding has also been used, meaning that the pages lie flat “for ease of reading” while allowing readers to “practice technique”.

Felton says: “We strived to revitalise the design of Writing & Illuminating & Lettering to make it more accessible to a new generation of calligraphers today.”