Calligraphy

About this course

The course introduces Western calligraphy through instruction in handling pens, brushes and nibs to form calligraphic alphabets, strokes, textures and visual effects. It covers italic and foundational styles alongside the historical context of different approaches. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations, step-by-step practice, presentations of traditional and contemporary examples, and feedback from the tutor and peers. Participants apply design and layout principles to projects such as invitations, prose, poetry, greeting cards and decorative plaques, developing a portfolio of work and a final piece that brings together selected techniques.

What you'll learn

• Use pens, brushes and different nibs to produce varied calligraphic strokes, textures and effects.
• Apply techniques associated with italic and foundational calligraphy.
• Explain the historical context of selected Western calligraphy styles.
• Apply design and layout principles to create balanced calligraphic compositions.
• Combine calligraphy techniques and personal stylistic choices in a final project.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners and for learners returning to calligraphy to refresh their skills, with no entry requirements stated. Sessions combine tutor-led instruction with individual and group projects, practice, peer review and homework exercises.

• Suitable for learners with no previous calligraphy experience.
• Includes individual and group project work.
• Requires some practice between sessions through brushwork homework.

Before you go

• Brushwork exercises are set as homework to practise technique.