Ziller of Kansas City is an engrossing (calligraphy) art studio that was founded by Frederick W. Tamblyn in 1895. Tamblyn started as the Tamblyn School of Penmanship which was a correspondence course program. As his business grew he opened Tamblyn Studios specializing in penmanship, engrossing and designing.

In 1933, Stephen A. Ziller, a Zanerian College graduate, came to work for F. W. Tamblyn. Three years later Ziller purchased the studio and later changed the name to Ziller of Kansas City. Ziller changed the direction of the studio to include more engrossing, certificates, diplomas and diploma covers. In 1993, Stephen Ziller retired and moved to Ohio to be closer to his son.

For a short history of F.W. Tamblyn and S.A. Ziller, please go to the page that we have developed for each of them.
From her early years of studying art at the Paseo High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Vivian had expressed an interest and desire to learn more about calligraphy.

However, it was not until 1976 that Vivian began to study calligraphy with Larry Menser in Plantation, Florida. After moving back home to Kansas City in 1980, she introduced herself to Stephen Ziller. He graciously offered to allow her to apprentice with him in 1982 for the purpose of learning the business of engrossing art.

With Stephen's guided instruction, Vivian studied engrossing tools, techniques and styles that are used to create large drawings for reproduction and one-of-a-kind original resolutions, memorials, testimonials and other certificates and awards.

Vivian and Richard Mungall, her husband became partners with Stephen Ziller in 1985. Richard brought continuity to the business with his experiences in the industrial manufacturing sector and Vivian carried on with the engrossing art that the business enjoyed.
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1897 - 1916
The Lyceum Building, first home for the
Tamblyn Studio
in Kansas City.

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1916 - 1962
The Ridge Building,
second home for the Tamblyn Studio and first home for
Ziller of Kansas City.

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1962 - 1982
The Graphic Arts Building,
second home for
Ziller of Kansas City.

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1982 - 2002
The Camp Fire Building
third home for
Ziller of Kansas City.

In 2002, based upon her skills, Vivian was invited to become a Master Penman within the organization known as the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers & Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH ).

As the business grew new services were added for the convenience of its customers. Custom framing and plaques became a standard offering along with extensive offerings of business gift and promotional merchandise. Development of new artist materials were made as well as the publication of long time out of print instructional materials for aspiring lettering artists.

At the current time while they are being of service to a variety of corporations, schools and associations throughout the United States they consider themselves to the 3rd set of caretakers of the business.
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