The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) (pronounced "I am Peth") is an international association for practicing and preserving the arts of
calligraphy,
engrossing and
penmanship
Penmanship is the technique of writing with the hand using a writing instrument. Today, this is most commonly done with a pen, or pencil, but throughout history has included many different implements. The various generic and formal hist ...
. IAMPETH was founded in 1949.
IAMPETH maintains an archive of works of past masters (viewable, in person, only to members during the Annual Conference) in addition to online instruction guides on lettering styles such as
Copperplate,
Spencerian script
Spencerian script is a script style based on Copperplate script that was used in the United States from approximately 1850 to 1925, and was considered the American ''de facto'' standard writing style for business correspondence prior to the wid ...
,
Illuminated manuscript production (engrossing) and others. A portion of the organization's collection has been digitally preserved and is available on their Internet Archive profile. An annual conference is held each year during the months of July or August in a US city. The convention consists of various classes, banquets, and demonstrations.
In 2017 IAMPETH introduced a new Certificate Program, replacing the Master Penman Program which was discontinued in 2015. This program allows all members who have been with the organization for three or more years to submit work to be considered for Certificate of Proficiency, Certificate of Excellence, and finally a Master Penman's Certificate. Current application requirements and associated costs are viewable by members only.
IAMPETH is composed of members from various countries. Dues range from $25 to $55 USD. Membership occasionally closes, temporarily, prior to the Annual Conference.
IAMPETH Goals
*Practice and teach the arts of calligraphy, engrossing and fine penmanship
*Restore the teaching of penmanship in schools
*Improve the handwriting of young people
*Preserve and share with others the rich tradition of American Penmanship.
*Practice make progress
See also
*
Penmanship
Penmanship is the technique of writing with the hand using a writing instrument. Today, this is most commonly done with a pen, or pencil, but throughout history has included many different implements. The various generic and formal hist ...
*
Cursive
*
Calligraphy
*
Illuminated manuscript (engrossing)
References
External links
IAMPETH official Website*
Calligraphy organizations, societies, and schools
Manuscript illuminators
Penmanship
Writing
1949 establishments in New York (state)
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