Eric Gill A.R.A. (British 1882-1940) Two Alphabet Calligraphic Moulds each initalled and dated 'AERG 09' in reverse (lower left), plaster (each 30cm x 55.5cm (11.8in x 21.8in)) Footnote: Eric Gill learnt letter cutting at the Westminster Technical Institute at the beginning of the 20 th Century, and lettering from the calligraphic master Edward Johnston and he went on to have a successful career as a self-employed letter cutter from 1903 to 1910. By 1909 Gill was collaborating with Johnston on a portfolio of 16 plates called Manuscript & Inscription Letters , cutting two Hoptonwood stone panels with numbers and alphabets. These panels were cast in plaster by C. Smith & Sons, plaster moulders of Kentish Town, and sold to students of lettering. Gill also taught Design for monumental masons at the Central School from 1906 to 1910, and it is possible that these are one of a number of casts made for the students at this date or later.