This practical course is suitable for all levels beginner to advanced, as much of the tuition is on an individual basis. Beginners will gain an understanding of the basic principles of good formal writing while learning and using a basic script uncial (a modernised 8th Century round script) or foundational hand (a basic roundhand script modernised from the 10th Century) or Renaissance italic. Those with more experience can improve a script and explore variations.
Beginners will learn how to use a broad-edged pen with confidence and gain some understanding of the potential uses and development of the new skills. Those with more experience will develop rhythm and flow in their calligraphy, improve their skill and expand their repertoire.
Beginners will achieve a basic competence in writing a script and how to lay out a text to produce a finished quotation. Ink and colour in the pen will be covered, and making simple pastel backgrounds. More experienced participants will cover new ground and use scripts in finished texts. There will be frequent tutor demonstrations on a one-to-one basis, and group demonstrations as required. Progressive exercises will be suited to each individuals understanding and skill starting point.
Included
A3 smooth surface cartridge paper, 60-70 lb
What students need to bring
Any tools and materials listed below, if you already have them or can easily obtain them:
- Mitchell square-cut roundhand nib size 2, sizes 2.5, 3, 3.5 optional (left-oblique 2 nib, if left-handed)
- Slippon reservoir and penholder
- Pelikan 4001 black ink, or black gouache paint (as an alternative)
- HB pencil, ruler, Pritt gluestick, scissors
If you wish to write in colour:-
-
A tube of Winsor & Newton designers gouache (series 1 or 2 are suitable) - the following colours flow well in the pen: turquoise, ultramarine, lemon yellow, spectrum red, alizarin crimson, permanent white and lamp black
-
Small mixing palette with compartments
-
A cheap mixing brush
-
Source a few short quotations you may like to try writing out
-
Tissues
-
Apron to protect your clothes (optional)
Available to buy
Available from shop:
The following are usually available subject to availability:
Mitchell square-cut roundhand nib size 2, sizes 2.5, 3, 3.5 optional (left-oblique 2 nib, if left-handed)
Slippon reservoir and penholder
Pelikan 4001 black ink, or black gouache paint (as an alternative)
HB pencil, ruler, Pritt gluestick, scissors
If you wish to write in colour:-
A tube of Winsor & Newton designers gouache (series 1 or 2 are suitable) - the following colours flow well in the pen: turquoise, ultramarine, lemon yellow, spectrum red, alizarin crimson, permanent white and lamp black
Small mixing palette with compartments
A cheap mixing brush
Available from tutor:
Spare nibs, reservoirs, penholders
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout 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
