Learn or improve your copperplate calligraphy or the currently very popular contemporary pointed pen cursive and variations, or italic and variations. Tuition will be largely demonstrations on an individual basis, with feedback on work in progress, as required. Exercises and projects will be given, with direction to learn and progress your chosen script, and to use it in the layout and design of short texts. The use of colour in the pen, with designers gouache, will also be covered.
This course is suitable for all levels, beginners to advanced. Improve your skills and knowledge with tutor-led exercises and projects, and plenty of tutor demonstrations, both group and individual. You will gain or improve your competence with calligraphic tools and materials, and build-on your understanding of related letterforms.
As a result of the course, beginners should achieve a sound footing in calligraphic skills from which to move forward with these scripts and onto other scripts. Those with more experience will gain improvement in the quality of their calligraphy and explore a range of scripts and variations.
Included
A3 sheets of smooth surface cartridge paper, 60-70lb
What students need to bring
- any calligraphy tools, penholders, nibs and reservoirs, W&N designer’s gouache paint you have, including those on the list below, plus some tissues
- Apron to protect your clothes (optional)
Available to buy
Available from shop:
Penholder and two Slippon reservoirs for all scripts, plus a range of nibs are usually in stock (subject to availability) For Italic - Mitchell square-cut roundhand nibs (left-oblique for left-handers), size 2, plus any smaller sizes e.g. 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4
For copperplate or contemporary pointed pen cursive – a Zebra G pointed nib
Pelikan 4001 black ink or black Winsor & Newton designer’s gouache
Ruler, HB pencil, Pritt gluestick, scissors, eraser
A small mixing palette with compartments
A cheap mixing brush
If you wish to write in colour: a tube of Winsor & Newton designer’s gouache paint (series 1 or 2 are suitable) and the following colours flow well: turquoise, ultramarine, spectrum red, lemon yellow, alizarin crimson, lamp black and permanent white
Available from tutor:
Nibs, reservoirs, penholder (if you are unable to bring them)
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
