A Lettering Text – book, W. J. Gage Limited, Sydney H. Watson, c1961

Sydney H. Watson (1911–1981) joined the Ontario College of Art (OCA) in 1946, becoming Principal in 1955, during a critical period of postwar growth and modernization in Canadian design education. A Lettering Text, produced around 1961, is the culmination of Watson’s years teaching pen and brush lettering to students entering an increasingly professionalized design field.

While the book covers the fundamentals of lettering, it also gestures toward related areas such as calligraphy and the early forms of photo-lettering, hinting at the shifting technological landscape. Notably, Watson maintains a delicate balance between technical instruction and encouragement – offering beginners a clear path forward without overwhelming them.

In the acknowledgments, Watson recognized the contributions of Carl Dair, Frank Davies, Allan Fleming, and others who were shaping modern Canadian typography. Though modest in tone, A Lettering Text reflects a broader moment when graphic design in Canada was evolving from a commercial craft into a recognized profession.

It’s possible that Watson briefly taught the future lettering artist Al Elliott during Elliott’s studies at OCA, where he graduated in Commercial Art in 1947. Even a single year’s influence, particularly from a strong teacher, can leave a lasting impression. – Rod McDonald