Inscriptions
in Stone

Roman Capitals are more adapted for carving in
Relief than are Roman small-letters or Italics, which
are directly derived from the pen.

Raised lettering is more allied to ordinary carving,
while Incised lettering may be thought of as writing

in stone.

i For ordinary work.

For large work.

4 For gilding.

5 For ordinary work.

Fig. 217.

For large work.

368

THE SECTIONS OF LETTERS

For Incised letters, a “V” section (1, fig. 217) of
about 6o° is best for regular use ; deeper rather than
shallower. The letters may with
advantage be cut a little deeper
towards the Serifs (see fig. 218).

Although the simple “V” sec¬
tion is the most useful, other
sections may be used for large
letters {i.e. letters more than 6
inches high), or letters in a very
fine material (2 & 3, fig. 217).

If the lettering is to be gilded,
and the stone will permit of it,

Section 4 (fig. 217) is a good one to use. Only
the curved part is to be Gilded, and not the small
bevelled sides.

For Raised letters, the best and most useful section
is No. 5 ; the slightly bevelled sides tell as part of the
letter. Experience, and the weathering conditions,
will suggest the amount of Relief to be given. For
letters ii inch high, out of doors, inch of relief
is ample, and if there be good light | inch is enough.
Excessive relief looks clumsy.

Sections Nos. 6 and 7 are suitable only for large
letters; and elaborate sections should as a rule be
used only for letters standing alone.

WORKING IN SITU

If possible the carver should work in situ. When
that is impracticable,1 he should consider most care¬
fully where his Inscription is to go.

Fig. 218.

Inscriptions
in Stone

1 E.g. Tombstones and Memorial Slabs axe not usually fixed
until finished.

369