Calligraphy and illumination

About this course

The course develops understanding of letterforms, including basic minuscules and capitals, their structure, family groupings and spacing. Learners can work on a chosen text while exploring layout, design and illumination, with experienced participants able to investigate Uncials, Gothics and variations in writing styles. Teaching combines demonstrations, visual references, group discussion and individual tuition. Projects may include a finished piece or card, gilded letters and, for more experienced learners, illuminated letters using raised gilding.

What you'll learn

• Identify and practise basic minuscule and capital letterforms
• Apply principles of letterform structure, grouping and spacing
• Plan layouts for calligraphic artwork
• Use simple gilding techniques to produce gilded letters
• Design and complete a calligraphic piece or card
• Combine writing styles or develop illuminated letters using raised gilding

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners as well as learners working at improver, intermediate or advanced level. Participants work at their own pace through a combination of group demonstrations, discussion and individual tuition. They should be able to follow written and spoken instructions, demonstrations and health and safety information.

• Left-handed learners are welcome
• Basic IT skills may help with accessing Google Classroom and online resources
• The course includes simple calculations and measurements
• Learners are invited to take part in informal group discussion

Before you go

• Some tools are available in the classroom, but learners will need to buy materials such as paper, pens and inks or paints.
• The tutor will advise on buying equipment, and learners without tools or materials do not need to purchase anything before the first session.
• For the first session, learners should bring an HB pencil, an eraser, a 0.3mm automatic pencil and an A3 layout pad.
• Learners who already have calligraphy materials may bring them.