Welcome to The Blazoning Pen website, specializing in classic and expressive calligraphic design by Barry Morentz. The name of the website is a line from Shakespeare's Othello, and reflects Barry's lifelong passion for the Bard. Barry applies his calligraphic skills across a wide range of work, and he takes particular delight in rendering classic literary texts. He hopes you enjoy your visit to his site and welcomes your inquiries.
Ever since I was a kid I have loved Shakespeare. As a calligrapher I find particular joy in finding a passage that resonates with me emotionally or delights me for the rhetorical qualities. Finding the right letterform to visually convey the essence of the words is the challenge, and that also enhances and deepens the understanding.
A wonderfully wacky speech from Love’s Labour’s Lost, spoken by the bombastic pedant Holofernes. He is complaining about people who mispronounce and misspell words, all the more amusing because spelling was not standardized in Shakespeare’s day!
One of the Bard’s most famous sonnets. I often use this as a wedding gift.
Hand-written invitations convey warmth and excitement for a special event. Calligraphic styles range form the stately and austere to the exuberant and festive. Highlighting the most important element, such as the names of the bride and groom, or that of the event itself, by using a contrasting style or heavier weight, brings greater impact to the invitation and guarantees that the recipient will easily remember it.
Hand-made books from unique artists' books to traditional case bindings
A hand-addressed envelope immediately suggests a Very Special Event to which you are invited. The range of lettering styles and colors can be tied to the nature of the occasion, from a quiet, dignified business dinner to a festive celebration
Sample text for an event invitation.
Calligraphic monograms are true marks of distinction. Whether a one, two, or three letter design it can be used as a business logo or an ornamental element on an invitation or menu. It can be simple and straightforward, or it can be rotated any number of times to create a dazzling abstract pattern
monogram design for business card
originally designed to be embroidered on baseball caps for a wedding
Personal monogram based on letters from the Lindesfarne Gospels
test text
Special events call for special treatments! Add a touch of panache to menus by enclosing them in hand-made folders with the guest’s name inscribed in lieu of a traditional place card. Dress up the Table ID card with color and metallic leaf.
36 letter word designed for a spelling contest
