Ross F. George and W. H. Gordon were the inventors of the Speedball pens. George’s Speedball alphabet, Stunt Roman, was an inspiration to other designers.
The Speedball Text Book 10th Edition (1927) did not have this alphabet. The first showing of Stunt Roman appeared in the Speedball Text Book 11th Edition (1929). Two versions of George’s monogram also appeared in the book: on page six and between the words Stunt and Roman.
Stunt Roman appeared in the Speedball Text Book 12th Edition (1935).
The Speedball Text Book 13th Edition (1937) is not available for online viewing. In Phototypography: A Guide to In-House Typesetting and Design (1980), Allan Haley said
... University Roman was first called Stunt Roman and was an example of hand lettering. The alphabet dates back to 1937 and owes its origin to the humble Speedball lettering pen. In conjunction with their product line of artist’s pens, the Speedball Company published an idea-book for young designers. University Roman was first shown in one of these books and titled Stunt Roman. ...
In the Speedball Text Book 14th Edition (1941), some of the letterforms evolved from the 1929 version and probably appeared in the 13th edition. Compass pinholes are visible in several letters. George also designed a new monogram.
The date looks like 1934
14th Edition
14th Edition
14th Edition
15th Edition (1948) with figures
Stunt Roman with figures appeared in the Speedball Text Book 16th Edition (1952), Speedball Textbook 17th Edition (1956), Speedball Text Book 18th Edition (1960; George’s monogram removed from alphabet) and other editions. The 24th edition has a page with many of George’s monograms.
(Next post on Monday: Barbara Clark Fogel (not Vogel), Timely Artist)
Stunt Roman sounds like a name for an adventurer.
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