Calligraphy and illumination

What is the course about?

You will study writing, design and illumination and learn how to choose and use basic materials. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as for those with some experience. Left handers are welcome.

What will we cover?

- Beginners: an introduction to basic minuscules and Capitals. You will study the letterforms step-by-step, the structure of the letterforms, family groups and spacing, and you will work on your chosen text for artwork. You will also be introduced the use of basic materials.
- Improvers: You will explore how to improve and expand your skills with consultation with the tutor. You can study other styles of writing such as Uncials and Gothics using historical materials.
- The course will also cover the basics of layout and design and simple gilding techniques.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Be confident in use of basic materials.
- Demonstrate basic Foundational hand, minuscules and Capitals.
- Produce a gilded letter/s
- Develop your ideas into effective layouts.
- Design and produce a finished piece or card.
For experienced students,
- Combine different styles of writing or use variations
- Produce a piece with a more developed idea and layout
- Design and produce illuminated letters with raised gilding technique.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for complete beginners to intermediate and advanced levels. The focus of the course is on good letterforms and effective layout/design with illumination. Each student will be able to work at their own pace and will be encouraged to produce a quality work rather than quantity.
Students should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information and will be invited to take part in informal group discussion.
course includes simple calculations and measurements. Basic IT skills would be helpful to be able to access google classroom and some online resources.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by demonstration in a group and individually. There will be one-to-one tuition and this will be supported by discussions and visual references.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Some tools are available in the classroom but you will also need to buy your own materials such as papers, pens and inks/paints. Advice on buying equipment will be given by the tutor during the course.
On the first day you will need to bring:
- HB pencil and eraser
- 0.3mm automatic pencil
- A3 Layout pad
- Usual calligraphy materials if you have them. If you don’t have any tools or materials, you don’t need to buy anything beforehand as your tutor will advise you in the session.

Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services,
at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a
student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a
scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already
discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-
discounts/.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The following courses are suitable for further study but please see our website for the full range of calligraphy courses:
VE228 Calligraphy and Illumination
VE274 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding
VE231 Calligraphy and Illumination
VE210 Calligraphy: Decorated letterforms
For a the full programme of courses for 2024/25 please visit our website.