Whitman - Monograms for the Home

Monograms
For the Home

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Principal photographer John Cain Sargent

Monograms For the Home

Digital Edition 1.0

Text 2015 Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Photographs 2015 as noted throughout.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except brief portions quoted for purpose of review.

Gibbs Smith

P.O. Box 667

Layton, Utah 84041

Orders: 1.800.835.4993

www.gibbs-smith.com

ISBN: 978-1-4236-4018-9

For my grandmothers, Myrtle Horst and the late Ruth Schlegel, who taught me to appreciate the intricate beauty that can come from a single needle and some thread.

My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is if its not movingmonogram it.

Reese Witherspoon

Monograms have a rich history. They have given form to the art of personal expression for thousands of years.

In this day and age, when branding is the buzz, a monogram is a way to make a statement about your personal brand. As a way of expressing individuality many style setters, like actress Reese Witherspoon, are personalizing everything they can get their hands on from a cardigan sweater to hand towels.

In the 19th century, monograms were a sign of wealth. Fast-forward to the 1950s, and technology and the sewing machine brought monograms back in vogue, as it was easy to add a mark of personalization to everything. Whether made by machine or by hand, a monogram is an elegant way to embellish your home.

A monogram is defined as a motif of two or more letters interwoven or otherwise combined in a decorative design used as a logo or to identify a personal possession. This definition is certainly true; however, it fails to get to the heart of what makes a monogram so special. Monograms are a beautiful, tasteful, and even regal way to personalize a product. In a time when so much of what we have is mass-produced, a monogram can make something unique while adding a touch of artistry and sophistication.

In this book, we will take a look at both the history of monograms, duograms and ciphers and the way they can be incorporated into our lives today. For many, an introduction to monograms rapidly becomes a new passion. For others, it is a lifelong tradition that honors generations. Whether youre into the hip and modern or prefer more formal styles, a monogram can enhance your home and lifestyle. From entertaining to interior design, monograms play a role in both decoration and personalization.

Setting yourself apart with a monogram is a statement of your individual sensibilities and style. J.Crew style expert Glenn OBrien recently said this on jcrew.tumblr.com about the current use of monograms:

We live in a landscape that is covered with corporate logos. If individuals are going to compete today we need logos too. The monogram is an elegant way to make your mark. Its your name boiled down to the essence, executed with graphic artistry. Its as old as the coat of arms and it was used as a hallmark in metalwork, ceramics and graphics, marking the genuine article.

Elephant monogram by Madison, Dallas.

Photography by John Cain Sargent

Aside from being a personal logo and advertising ownership, a monograms touch can help us feel confident and centered. Etiquette expert, Peggy Post, who is a great-grand-daughter-in-law of Emily Post and current director of the Emily Post Institute, says they can give us a sense of place. One of the beautiful things about technology today is that it has made the goods we need for our homes so affordable and accessible. The downside to this accessibility is that its hard to feel that something is truly our own. When we add a personalized touch, such as a monogram, to any item, whatever the quality or craftsmanship, we instantly make it more special.

Monograms are elegant yet practical. In almost every element of our lives, from new linens and heirloom silver to stationery and candles, we can seize opportunities to personalize our possessions with a monogram. Monogram expert Summer Tompkins Walker of Walker Valentine says, Monograms are so special because they tell a story to the past and define a person and a place. Today, we continue to celebrate the art of the monogram, its rich history and its modern applications.

Decorative monogram plate from Kelly Wilson Antiques.

Photography by John Cain Sargent

Monograms make an ordinary thing, whether it is a pillow, a napkin or a piece of paper, instantly special because of the deeply personal nature of having something emblazoned so it is uniquely yours. It creates an instant heirloom, giving something a deeper meaning that reflects time worn traditions and old-fashioned appeal in a modern and swiftly changing mass-market world.

Danielle Rollins

For men and women alike, a monogram can be a way to personalize your belongings, a way to honor a loved one, or a way to keep a motivating affirmation in mind. Remember Elvis and his TCB monogram? He had it painted, engraved and embroidered on everythingTaking Care of Business! There are wonderful examples of people using their loved ones monograms as a reminder of special times with them. Some people prefer to use the roman numerals of a number that reminds them of an important date. The possibilities are endless, and my hope is that this book will provide inspiration for ways that you can incorporate more monograms into your life!

Monogram candle from Niven Morgan.

Photography by John Cain Sargent

Hand-engraved silver cup by Craig Lawrence.

Photography by John Cain Sargent

Monograms have been used for thousands of years and have certainly evolved along the way. The first known monogram was found on 6th century B.C. Roman coins. They had the initials of the ruler on them to give them legitimacy. Charlemagne most famously used his monograms as a mark of power in the 8th century. He used it to mark his conquests as he made his way around Europe. It was a symbol that showed his territories and was recognizable beyond language barriers and the various alphabets that were commonly used. Other royal and military commanders followed suit and developed their own marks, symbols of power and influence that clearly marked their ranking.