Ref: S2D30069
This course is for all levels, starting where you are individually, aiming to move you on to greater things with your italic calligraphy, both in letterforms and in layout and design.
Looking first at the ancestral heritage to understand the core features of this popular and timeless script, with a brief explanation of script analysis, we will quickly get down to writing in earnest.
Beginners will start with step-by-step instructions, focusing on getting good letterforms, then letter and word spacing.
If you have experience of italic calligraphy, you will write a page as a warm-up to focus on your writing rhythm, speed and consistency and to analyse your strengths and weaknesses with the tutor. You will then work to improve your formal hand.
If you are confident with your formal hand, there are options of exercises to explore many italic variations of weight, speed, expansion and compression, softness and sharpness, as well as the more familiar flourishing. And more advanced students can explore gestural freedom.
To make the most of your writing, the final sessions will work with a short quotation, with careful attention to design and layout, aiming to complete a piece with a pleasing composition. Calligraphy at its best is its own embellishment; show off your beautiful writing by arranging it well on the page, so you have something you can take home proudly.
On the first evening session, the tutor will give a general introduction to the course, looking at the historical precedents to today's calligraphic scripts, admiring examples of modern calligraphers' work, and then checking out equipment and what will be needed, so you can be ready to work in the morning.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Mary's graphic design training led her on to study calligraphy to advanced level, becoming Fellow of the two national Calligraphy Societies, SSI and CLAS, and her work is displayed in many of their exhibition catalogues. She's been teaching for 30 years and has published several books focusing on beginners.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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Places available - Book now
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