A monogram is usually made by combining the initials of an individual or a company and is used as a recognizable symbol or logo. Historically, a monogram was used as a royal signature. Romans and Greeks used them on coins to identify their rulers. Then, in the Middle Ages, artisans began to use them to sign their work. Victorian-period high-class persons adapted the monogram for personal use as a symbol of their place in society. The most common use of monograms in our linen store, Scheuer Linens, is on towels, bedding, and napkins.
In the Victorian era, rules for monograms were quite simple and few. Female monograms had the first initial on the left, middle initial on the right, and the last initial embroidered larger in the middle. A married monogram would use her first name initial on the left, maiden initial on the right, and new last initial larger in the center. However, many modern couples use monograms with the bride’s first name on the left, the grooms first initial on the right, and joint last name initial larger in the center. Rules are now flexible and people can really do what they want.
Monogramming can also be used to add a touch of color to a set of towels or bed linens and typically match another color element in the room.
The monogram of the entire alphabet, shown at the top, is from the Dictionnaire du Chiffre-monogramme, published in 1881, is difficult to read and is typical of fancy monograms from the past. Other samples of older monogram styles are shown above with the initials S W, M S, and A V M. Monograms today tend to be much simpler, using either a simple block letter or a traditional script. The three most popular styles chosen by our customers are shown below.
Are paper bags really better for the environment than plastic bags? Apparently, they’re both bad. Both can be made from recycled materials and are recyclable. It takes more water and energy tomake paper bags than plastic bags. Paper-bag production kills 14 million trees a year and creates more air and water pollutants than plastic-bag manufacture. The best thing you can do is use reusable cloth bags or totes instead.