Calligraphy: modern copperplate

About this course

The course examines the origins and characteristics of copperplate, including English Roundhand, alongside examples from historical and contemporary calligraphy. Learners analyse an historical script and practise making regular, fluent letterforms, with attention to stroke weight, height, compression, spacing, speed and angle. Teaching combines group and individual demonstrations, theory, illustration, discussion and tutor feedback. More experienced participants can investigate variations in lowercase forms and subtle changes in appearance. Work develops towards a finished piece such as a card, poetry panel, stationery design, alphabet, book or illuminated text.

What you'll learn

• Identify the main characteristics of copperplate script.
• Control pen-stroke weight, spacing and writing speed.
• Select and use suitable pens, inks, papers and other calligraphy materials.
• Analyse historical script and apply its features in practice.
• Correct lettering mistakes neatly.
• Complete a finished project incorporating copperplate writing.

Is this course right for you?

The course accommodates beginners and advanced students in a mixed-level group. Previous knowledge of copperplate is desirable but not essential. Learners should be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, read hand-outs and understand health and safety information. Group discussion is invited but voluntary, with occasional practice at home potentially helpful.

• Suitable for learners with no previous copperplate knowledge.
• More experienced calligraphers can focus on detailed lettering variables and lowercase variations.
• Group discussion participation is voluntary.
• Some practice or completion of work between sessions may be helpful.

Before you go

• Beginners receive some basic materials in the first session, including cartridge paper, pens, erasers and some inks.
• From the second session, learners are expected to bring their own materials.
• Required materials include A3 layout paper, good-quality smooth hot-pressed paper, a 50cm gridded ruler, a Speedball 2968 black oblique pen set and a Japanese calligraphy ink stick with ink stone.
• An eraser and 0.3 automatic pencil are listed, with the pencil marked as not essential.
• Experienced calligraphers may bring their existing toolkit and preferred ink and pen. Learners unsure what to buy can wait for the tutor's demonstration and recommendations.