Page from a French penmanship manual illustrating “Écriture Ronde” (round writing), specifically letters with upper loops, showcasing calligraphic letter variations for handwriting instruction typical of mid-20th-century French education.
An upcoming exhibition at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena will offer visitors an unprecedented look at how cursive writing instruction varies across more than 40 countries. “Primarium: A Case for Cursive,” opening July 2 at the Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography, presents the first physical manifestation of extensive research that reveals the surprising diversity of handwriting pedagogy worldwide.
The exhibition, running through October 31, emerges from the research project “Primarium” by renowned type designers Veronika Burian and José Scaglione, co-founders of the independent font foundry TypeTogether. Their work maps handwriting instruction for Latin-script learners across continents, documenting how different cultures approach the teaching of cursive writing.
Through a combination of infographics, historical references, contemporary textbooks, and cross-cultural comparisons, the exhibition demonstrates how cursive styles have adapted across geographies and eras, shaped by cultural shifts and technological advances. The research-based presentation invites visitors to rediscover the history, education, and evolution of cursive writing as an evolving form of communication rather than a relic of the past.
Illustration from The Palmer Method of Business Writing by Austin Norman Palmer (early 20th century), demonstrating correct pen-holding posture with emphasis on finger positioning and hand ergonomics for fluid and efficient handwriting.
The timing of the exhibition proves particularly relevant as educational systems worldwide grapple with questions about handwriting instruction in an increasingly digital age. The research documented in “Primarium” shows cursive not as a universal standard but as a diverse collection of regional approaches, each reflecting local educational philosophies and cultural values.
The exhibition’s location within ArtCenter’s typography center underscores the institution’s commitment to bridging traditional craft with contemporary design practice. The Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography serves as an educational resource, creative studio, and research center dedicated to the study of typography, letterform design, and language.
Burian and Scaglione’s research has yielded practical applications beyond academic study. The designers have developed “Playwrite,” an extensive type family designed to reflect diverse cursive styles and enhance handwriting instruction around the world. This typographic project emerges directly from their cross-cultural research findings.
The exhibition presentation reveals how colonial histories, national educational policies, and regional preferences have shaped contemporary handwriting instruction. French methods differ from German approaches, while Scandinavian techniques contrast with Mediterranean traditions, creating a rich tapestry of pedagogical diversity.
As screens dominate contemporary communication, the exhibition positions cursive writing within broader conversations about the role of traditional skills in modern education. The research suggests that handwriting instruction encompasses questions of cultural identity, cognitive development, and the preservation of human touch in an increasingly mechanized world.
The Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography, which houses the exhibition, supports students and professionals through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, residency programs, and access to its extensive archive. The center fosters exploration and dialogue within typography practice, making it an ideal venue for examining the intersection of historical tradition and contemporary relevance.
Page from Modelli di Calligrafia by Giovanni Tonso (1898), showing examples of cursive letterforms and practice texts intended for refined handwriting exercises in early 20th-century Italy.
Founded in 1930, ArtCenter College of Design has established itself as a global leader in art and design education. The institution’s commitment to both industry connections and social impact initiatives positions it uniquely to explore how traditional practices like handwriting continue to inform contemporary design challenges.
The exhibition opens with a special talk by Burian and Scaglione on July 3, where the designers will discuss their research methodology and present insights from their cross-cultural findings. The presentation will also introduce the Playwrite type family and explore how their research might influence future approaches to handwriting instruction.
“Primarium: A Case for Cursive” represents a significant contribution to understanding how fundamental educational practices vary across cultures. By documenting these differences, the exhibition challenges assumptions about universal standards while celebrating the rich diversity of human approaches to written communication.
The research underlying the exhibition suggests that cursive writing instruction reflects broader cultural values about individual expression, educational discipline, and the relationship between tradition and innovation. These insights prove relevant not only for educators but for anyone interested in how cultural transmission occurs through everyday practices.
For visitors, the exhibition offers an opportunity to reconsider familiar assumptions about handwriting while gaining appreciation for the sophisticated cultural work embedded in seemingly simple educational practices. The international scope of the research provides perspective on how local traditions fit within global patterns of learning and communication.
The exhibition is made possible through generous support from the Lowell Milken Family Foundation, reflecting ongoing investment in typography research and education. This support enables the center to present cutting-edge research that bridges academic inquiry with practical applications for contemporary design and education.
“Primarium: A Case for Cursive” is on view at the Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography Gallery, ArtCenter College of Design (South Campus), 950 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, from July 2 through October 31. Gallery hours: daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Opening reception: July 3, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Exhibition talk: July 3, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact hmct@artcenter.edu.
