Calligraphy – illuminated letters, gilding and painting with Cathy Stables

Ref: SWE37857

Book now

Places available

About this course

Learn the processes involved in gilding and painting an illuminated letter, copy an historical letter or create your own design.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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 (lunch included)

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.

General Information

Tutors

Cathy Stables, heraldic artist at West Dean College

Cathy Stables

Cathy Stables has a BA Hons in Graphic Design from Exeter College of Art, later studying Calligraphy, Illumination and Heraldic Art.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Watercolour and brush calligraphy

9 to 11 Sep 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Maisie Minett |
Beginners
£348

Japanese calligraphy – an introduction

21 Sep 2025 | London
Places available
Tutor: Rie Takeda |
Suitable for all
£135

Calligraphy – italic and pointed pen

24 to 26 Oct 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Gaynor Goffe |
Suitable for all
£325

Sparkling Christmas calligraphy

8 to 9 Nov 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Maisie Minett |
Beginners/Intermediate
£349
Further study options for art craft and design short courses

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.