Stenography Collection

Monsieur le sténographe... 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
Monsieur le stenographe... 19th century. Physiogomy of the assembly - Mr. Stenographer

La Michela (engraving)
3645940 La Michela (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: La Michela. Illustration for Le Magasin Pittoresque (1880)

Examples of shorthand writing systems (colour litho)
3630286 Examples of shorthand writing systems (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Examples of shorthand writing systems)

Examples of German shorthand writing systems (colour litho)
3630284 Examples of German shorthand writing systems (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Examples of German shorthand writing systems)

Typewriting class. Postcard sent in 1913
660476 Typewriting class. Postcard sent in 1913. by French Photographer (20th century); Private Collection; © Look and Learn

Examples of German shorthand writing systems (colour litho)
3630283 Examples of German shorthand writing systems (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Examples of German shorthand writing systems)

Stenography, c1813. Artist: John Moffat
Stenography, c1813. From Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, by David Brewster. [William Blackwood, London, c1813]

John Byrom, 18th century English writer and poet born in Manchester, 1821
John Byrom, English writer and poet born in Manchester, 1821. Byrom (1692-1763) invented a system of shorthand. Frontispiece of Introduction to Byroms Short-Hand by Molyneux. (London, 1821)

Samuel Botley
SAMUEL BOTLEY Writer on stenography, which doesn t sound very glamorous but the fulsome inscription hints at Art, Love, Wit and Virtue as well... Date: 1642 - 1696

Two girl guides in uniform on a garden swing, Austria. The handwritten message on the right appears to be mostly in shorthand. Date: circa 1900s

ISaC PITMAN (1813-1897). English inventor of shorthand writing. Oil on canvas by Sir Arthur Stockdale Cope

OFFICE, 1900. Photograph

TYPIST, 1905. Secretary with Remington typewriter and her stenographers pad, 1905

John Byrom (1692-1763) English writer and poet born in Manchester, 1821. Byrom invented a system of shorthand. Frontispiece of Introduction to Byroms Short-Hand by Molyneux. (London, 1821)

SHORTHAND, 1779. Short Hand made easy. Handbill published by Robert Baldwin, London, 1779

Palantype machine, 1968
Palantype machine being used by a stenographer to record notes in shorthand. Typing notes in shorthand requires a specialised keyboard

Stenography from Above
Stenography depicted as a gift from the gods !

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Stenography, the art of shorthand writing, has a rich history that spans centuries. From the intricate engravings of La Michela to the colorful lithographs showcasing various shorthand systems, this skill has captivated minds and facilitated efficient communication. In classrooms around the world, typewriting classes were once filled with eager students honing their stenographic abilities. A postcard sent in 1913 serves as a reminder of how widely practiced this craft was during that time. German shorthand systems also made their mark on the stenography landscape. Colorful lithographs vividly depict these unique methods, highlighting their importance in recording information swiftly and accurately. One notable figure associated with stenography is John Moffat, an artist who captured its essence in his c1813 artwork. His portrayal showcases the concentration and precision required to master this skill. John Byrom, an 18th-century English writer and poet born in Manchester in 1821, was another individual deeply connected to stenography. His contributions to this field further solidify its significance throughout history. Samuel Botley's name is synonymous with stenography expertise. As a renowned practitioner of this art form, he undoubtedly left an indelible mark on those who followed his footsteps. Even beyond academia or professional settings, stenography found its way into everyday life. Two girl guides swinging joyfully in uniform serve as a testament to how widespread and accessible this practice became across different cultures. The versatility extended even to advertising realms like Beaufort's fruit sign from South Carolina in 1936. Walker Evans' creation immortalizes not only delicious fruits but also highlights how essential it was for businesses to communicate quickly through shorthand symbols or abbreviations. As we reflect upon these glimpses into the world through engravings, lithographs, artworks, and historical figures like John Byrom or Samuel Botley - we are reminded of the immense impact this skill had on society.