More Than Words

Illustrated Letters from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art:

Often the expression of joy or affection, illustrated letters represent an irrepressible urge to picture language. They are evidence of the writer's use of words and images to amplify the form and effect of a message. The letters have been selected by Archives of American Art Curator of Manuscripts Liza Kirwin. These are drawn entirely from the collections of the Archives of American Art, encompassing exuberant thank you notes, winsome love letters, lively reports of current events, graphic instructions and other personalized communiqu?s from the early nineteenth century through the 1980s, in each sender's distinctive style.

Above are examples from Eero Saarinen, Andy Warhol and Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This lovely link comes courtesy of my friend John at Uncertain Times.