This course explores modern variations of copperplate form while retaining the elegance and clarity of the original. Working with a pointed pen, you will develop your copperplate writing by refining contrast, rhythm, spacing. This course is suitable for students who already have who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who have prior experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. Open to both left- and right-handed...
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Modern calligraphy - also known as Copperplate or English Roundhand - is enjoying renewed interest, particularly among calligraphers who wish to deepen their technical skill and expressive range. This course is aimed at students who already have a foundation in calligraphy and would like to refine and extend their pointed-pen writing. Through tutor demonstrations, historical exemplars and contemporary interpretations, you will study the construction, rhythm and layout of copperplate and Spencerian letterforms. The course focuses on developing fluency, consistency and confidence, enabling you to write with greater control and expressive clarity.
What will we cover?
You will:
Study historical and contemporary examples of copperplate and related scripts
Make detailed script analysis to understand structure, proportion and movement
Practise targeted exercises to refine rhythm, spacing, contrast and writing speed
Explore modern variations of copperplate while maintaining clarity and elegance
Receive individual feedback and guidance from the tutor
Work on a personal or professional calligraphy project developed with tutor support. Projects are tailored to individual skill levels, allowing you to focus on an area that best supports your creative or professional goals.
consider the wider contemporary calligraphy world, with consideration of how historical scripts can be thoughtfully adapted for modern practice.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify and confidently use the key characteristics of modern calligraphy or copperplate scripts
Control line weight, spacing, rhythm and writing speed
Select appropriate tools and materials for different calligraphy outcomes
Correct mistakes neatly and confidently
Produce a finished piece of work demonstrating a developed level of pointed-pen writing
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is not suitable for complete beginners. It is intended for students who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who already have experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, understand demonstrations and participate in optional group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
No preparation is required before the course begins. Teaching will take place through a combination of group demonstrations, individual guidance, worksheets and supported practice. Students are encouraged to practise between sessions to consolidate skills and develop their project, at a pace suited to individual needs.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Some materials will be provided, including cartridge paper, pencil erasers and inks. Please bring:
Speedball 2968 oblique pen set (pointed nibs)
HB pencil and layout paper (A4)
A notebook for notes and sketches
If you are unsure about materials, please don’t purchase anything in advance. Tools will be demonstrated in class, and guidance will be given. From the second session onwards, students are expected to bring their own materials. If you forget anything, support is always available.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in calligraphy and lettering are available - please see the website for more details. Suitable courses may be: VE258 Calligraphy: modern copperplate VE350 Calligraphy: modern copperplate VE257 Modern calligraphy VE221 Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations
Veiko Kespersaks is a Fellow of CLAS (The Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society) and a Fellow of SSI (Society of Scribes and Illuminators). He currently runs a successful calligraphy studio in Central London. Veiko was Programme Leader for the Calligraphy Degree course at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in Finland and his book, ‘Calligraphy in 24 1h lessons’ was published in 2011. He has an MA with Distinction from Roehampton University London, A BA (First class) in Calligraphy and Art History from University of Surrey Roehampton and a BA in Printmaking from the Art Institute of Kankaanpää, Finland. Veiko’s classes are usually mixed levels, and his passion in teaching is to create an atmosphere in which each student can increase their skill proficiency and learn new, sometimes unexpected, skills. www.calligraphystudio.co.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/calligraphy-modern-copperplate-variations261615Calligraphy: modern copperplate variationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/e/ve264_modern_copperplate_calligraphy_for_improvers1.jpg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Calligraphy/Courses/vm/Make Art You're Proud Of22851132113911421374412285113211391653<p>This course explores modern variations of copperplate form while retaining the elegance and clarity of the original. Working with a pointed pen, you will develop your copperplate writing by refining contrast, rhythm, spacing. This course is suitable for students who already have who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who have prior experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. Open to both left- and right-handed writers.</p>243066718Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/e/ve264_modern_copperplate_calligraphy_for_improvers1_9.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-06-09T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2027Art & designVE221249249Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations199162249Veiko Kespersakscalligraphy-modern-copperplate-variations/ve221-2627Learn how to use a pointed pen for writing in copperplate hand, which is famous for its fine lines, hand-made quality and romantic overtones.This fun class is an introduction to Spencerian script and its connection to basic strokes and letterforms. You will also learn the history of Spencerian script and it will give you some new knowledge of penmanship. Suitable for both beginners and improvers, left and right handers.0000-Available|2027-06-09 00:00:00Copperplate, (Spencerian or English Roundhand, it is know by several names) is enjoying a resurgence of interest of late. Platt Roger Spencer, whose name the style bears, developed his style during the Romantic period and it emphasises feeling, individuality and the power of nature, which can be seen in the more freely flowing and elaborate movements. He likened the gently sloping ovals his letters to the pebbles he found on the shores of the Great Lakes and he advocated added a touch of contrasting weight from the swelling line just here and there. This was because nature had such touches of variety, he did not want his script to appear too mechanical. <br>Using models and exemplars by your tutor and through demonstrations, you will learn the construction and layout of these fluid letterforms which will enable you to write more beautifully and/or more neatly at speed.Learn how to use a pointed pen for writing in copperplate hand, which is famous for its fine lines, hand-made quality and romantic overtones.This fun class is an introduction to Spencerian script and its connection to basic strokes and letterforms. You will also learn the history of Spencerian script and it will give you some new knowledge of penmanship. Suitable for both beginners and improvers, left and right handers.<p>The course provides a thorough grounding in calligraphy materials, exploring different inks, pens, nibs, and papers so that each student understands the tools, where they come from, and how they work. Your tutor will provide insight into the history of calligraphy, and the contemporary international calligraphy world. The group will observe and discuss texts from the past and present, and each student will carry out a deep script analysis. Through drills and exercises, you will practice making your letterforms regular and fluent, with feedback and support from the tutor.<br>During the course, depending on your individual skill level, you will be able to complete one of these projects:<br>- handmade card for a special occasion<br>- poetry panel or letter<br>- wedding/party stationery<br>- designing your own alphabet<br>- decorated/illustrated panel or inspirational artwork</p>- Identify and recognise the key characteristics of Spencerian script<br>- Vary the weight of a pen stroke, the spacing and the speed of your writing successfully and with confidence<br>- Select and use a variety of pens, materials, and inks appropriately<br>- Correct mistakes neatly<br>- Produce a finished project with an example of Spencerian writing.This course is suitable for complete beginners or those looking to refresh their calligraphy skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions in English to support demonstrations, read hand-outs, and understand health and safety information. Students will be invited to take part in group discussions, but participation is voluntary.No study preparation is required beforehand. In the session you will learn through a combination of group and individual demonstrations, and following worksheets devised by your experienced instructor. Examples, worksheets, and instructions will be provided to enable you to carry out exercises at your own pace both inside and outside the classroom.<p>Some materials will be provided including cartridge paper, pens, erasers and inks. Please bring the below with you:<br>- Speedball 2968 Oblique pen set<br>- Pencil HP and Layout Paper (A3)<br>- A note book to take notes during the course<br>If you are not sure where to get the tools and materials, please do not buy anything as your tutor will demonstrate the tools/materials and will suggest where they can be purchased. From the second session onwards, you will be expected to bring your own materials. If you forget anything the other students and the teacher will always be there to help!<br><br> </p><p>Once completed, you could progress to calligraphy course covering a more broad range of scripts such as:</p><ul><li>VE300 City Lit calligraphy course</li><li>VE255 Calligraphy and illumination</li><li>VE249 Modern calligraphy</li><li>VE246 Calligraphy: modern copperplate</li><li>VE265 Calligraphy: Modern copperplate</li></ul><p>Your tutor will be able to advise you during the course.</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyvirtual3066733Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/e/ve264_modern_copperplate_calligraphy_for_improvers1_10.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2027Art & designVE247249249Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations199162249Veiko Kespersakscalligraphy-modern-copperplate-variations/ve247-2627<p>This course explores modern variations of copperplate form while retaining the elegance and clarity of the original. Working with a pointed pen, you will develop your copperplate writing by refining contrast, rhythm, spacing. This course is suitable for students who already have who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who have prior experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. Open to both left- and right-handed writers.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-13 00:00:00<p>Modern calligraphy - also known as Copperplate or English Roundhand - is enjoying renewed interest, particularly among calligraphers who wish to deepen their technical skill and expressive range. This course is aimed at students who already have a foundation in calligraphy and would like to refine and extend their pointed-pen writing. Through tutor demonstrations, historical exemplars and contemporary interpretations, you will study the construction, rhythm and layout of copperplate and Spencerian letterforms. The course focuses on developing fluency, consistency and confidence, enabling you to write with greater control and expressive clarity.</p><p>This course explores modern variations of copperplate form while retaining the elegance and clarity of the original. Working with a pointed pen, you will develop your copperplate writing by refining contrast, rhythm, spacing. This course is suitable for students who already have who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who have prior experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. Open to both left- and right-handed writers.</p><p>You will:</p><ul><li>Study historical and contemporary examples of copperplate and related scripts</li><li>Make detailed script analysis to understand structure, proportion and movement</li><li>Practise targeted exercises to refine rhythm, spacing, contrast and writing speed</li><li>Explore modern variations of copperplate while maintaining clarity and elegance</li><li>Receive individual feedback and guidance from the tutor</li><li>Work on a personal or professional calligraphy project developed with tutor support. Projects are tailored to individual skill levels, allowing you to focus on an area that best supports your creative or professional goals. </li><li>consider the wider contemporary calligraphy world, with consideration of how historical scripts can be thoughtfully adapted for modern practice.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Identify and confidently use the key characteristics of modern calligraphy or copperplate scripts</li><li>Control line weight, spacing, rhythm and writing speed</li><li>Select appropriate tools and materials for different calligraphy outcomes</li><li>Correct mistakes neatly and confidently</li><li>Produce a finished piece of work demonstrating a developed level of pointed-pen writing</li></ul><p>This course is not suitable for complete beginners. It is intended for students who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who already have experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, understand demonstrations and participate in optional group discussions.</p><p>No preparation is required before the course begins. Teaching will take place through a combination of group demonstrations, individual guidance, worksheets and supported practice. Students are encouraged to practise between sessions to consolidate skills and develop their project, at a pace suited to individual needs.</p><p>Some materials will be provided, including cartridge paper, pencil erasers and inks. Please bring:</p><ul><li>Speedball 2968 oblique pen set (pointed nibs)</li><li>HB pencil and layout paper (A4)</li><li>A notebook for notes and sketches</li></ul><p>If you are unsure about materials, please don’t purchase anything in advance. Tools will be demonstrated in class, and guidance will be given. From the second session onwards, students are expected to bring their own materials. If you forget anything, support is always available.</p><p><br> </p><p>Other courses in calligraphy and lettering are available - please see the website for more details.<br>Suitable courses may be:<br>VE258 Calligraphy: modern copperplate<br>VE350 Calligraphy: modern copperplate<br>VE257 Modern calligraphy<br>VE221 Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyvirtual199249162VE221,VE247NONEWed13/01/27 - 10/02/2718:00 - 21:0018:0021:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVeiko KespersaksBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-06-09T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2027,Jan 2027Art & design249249Calligraphy: modern copperplate variationscalligraphy-modern-copperplate-variations/ve221-2627,calligraphy-modern-copperplate-variations/ve247-2627Learn how to use a pointed pen for writing in copperplate hand, which is famous for its fine lines, hand-made quality and romantic overtones.This fun class is an introduction to Spencerian script and its connection to basic strokes and letterforms. You will also learn the history of Spencerian script and it will give you some new knowledge of penmanship. Suitable for both beginners and improvers, left and right handers.,<p>This course explores modern variations of copperplate form while retaining the elegance and clarity of the original. Working with a pointed pen, you will develop your copperplate writing by refining contrast, rhythm, spacing. This course is suitable for students who already have who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who have prior experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. Open to both left- and right-handed writers.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-13 00:00:00Copperplate, (Spencerian or English Roundhand, it is know by several names) is enjoying a resurgence of interest of late. Platt Roger Spencer, whose name the style bears, developed his style during the Romantic period and it emphasises feeling, individuality and the power of nature, which can be seen in the more freely flowing and elaborate movements. He likened the gently sloping ovals his letters to the pebbles he found on the shores of the Great Lakes and he advocated added a touch of contrasting weight from the swelling line just here and there. This was because nature had such touches of variety, he did not want his script to appear too mechanical. <br>Using models and exemplars by your tutor and through demonstrations, you will learn the construction and layout of these fluid letterforms which will enable you to write more beautifully and/or more neatly at speed.,<p>Modern calligraphy - also known as Copperplate or English Roundhand - is enjoying renewed interest, particularly among calligraphers who wish to deepen their technical skill and expressive range. This course is aimed at students who already have a foundation in calligraphy and would like to refine and extend their pointed-pen writing. Through tutor demonstrations, historical exemplars and contemporary interpretations, you will study the construction, rhythm and layout of copperplate and Spencerian letterforms. The course focuses on developing fluency, consistency and confidence, enabling you to write with greater control and expressive clarity.</p>Learn how to use a pointed pen for writing in copperplate hand, which is famous for its fine lines, hand-made quality and romantic overtones.This fun class is an introduction to Spencerian script and its connection to basic strokes and letterforms. You will also learn the history of Spencerian script and it will give you some new knowledge of penmanship. Suitable for both beginners and improvers, left and right handers.,<p>This course explores modern variations of copperplate form while retaining the elegance and clarity of the original. Working with a pointed pen, you will develop your copperplate writing by refining contrast, rhythm, spacing. This course is suitable for students who already have who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who have prior experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. Open to both left- and right-handed writers.</p><p>The course provides a thorough grounding in calligraphy materials, exploring different inks, pens, nibs, and papers so that each student understands the tools, where they come from, and how they work. Your tutor will provide insight into the history of calligraphy, and the contemporary international calligraphy world. The group will observe and discuss texts from the past and present, and each student will carry out a deep script analysis. Through drills and exercises, you will practice making your letterforms regular and fluent, with feedback and support from the tutor.<br>During the course, depending on your individual skill level, you will be able to complete one of these projects:<br>- handmade card for a special occasion<br>- poetry panel or letter<br>- wedding/party stationery<br>- designing your own alphabet<br>- decorated/illustrated panel or inspirational artwork</p>,<p>You will:</p><ul><li>Study historical and contemporary examples of copperplate and related scripts</li><li>Make detailed script analysis to understand structure, proportion and movement</li><li>Practise targeted exercises to refine rhythm, spacing, contrast and writing speed</li><li>Explore modern variations of copperplate while maintaining clarity and elegance</li><li>Receive individual feedback and guidance from the tutor</li><li>Work on a personal or professional calligraphy project developed with tutor support. Projects are tailored to individual skill levels, allowing you to focus on an area that best supports your creative or professional goals. </li><li>consider the wider contemporary calligraphy world, with consideration of how historical scripts can be thoughtfully adapted for modern practice.</li></ul><p> </p>- Identify and recognise the key characteristics of Spencerian script<br>- Vary the weight of a pen stroke, the spacing and the speed of your writing successfully and with confidence<br>- Select and use a variety of pens, materials, and inks appropriately<br>- Correct mistakes neatly<br>- Produce a finished project with an example of Spencerian writing.,<ul><li>Identify and confidently use the key characteristics of modern calligraphy or copperplate scripts</li><li>Control line weight, spacing, rhythm and writing speed</li><li>Select appropriate tools and materials for different calligraphy outcomes</li><li>Correct mistakes neatly and confidently</li><li>Produce a finished piece of work demonstrating a developed level of pointed-pen writing</li></ul>This course is suitable for complete beginners or those looking to refresh their calligraphy skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions in English to support demonstrations, read hand-outs, and understand health and safety information. Students will be invited to take part in group discussions, but participation is voluntary.,<p>This course is not suitable for complete beginners. It is intended for students who have completed a basic calligraphy course or who already have experience with broad-edge or pointed-pen scripts. You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, understand demonstrations and participate in optional group discussions.</p>No study preparation is required beforehand. In the session you will learn through a combination of group and individual demonstrations, and following worksheets devised by your experienced instructor. Examples, worksheets, and instructions will be provided to enable you to carry out exercises at your own pace both inside and outside the classroom.,<p>No preparation is required before the course begins. Teaching will take place through a combination of group demonstrations, individual guidance, worksheets and supported practice. Students are encouraged to practise between sessions to consolidate skills and develop their project, at a pace suited to individual needs.</p><p>Some materials will be provided including cartridge paper, pens, erasers and inks. Please bring the below with you:<br>- Speedball 2968 Oblique pen set<br>- Pencil HP and Layout Paper (A3)<br>- A note book to take notes during the course<br>If you are not sure where to get the tools and materials, please do not buy anything as your tutor will demonstrate the tools/materials and will suggest where they can be purchased. From the second session onwards, you will be expected to bring your own materials. If you forget anything the other students and the teacher will always be there to help!<br><br> </p>,<p>Some materials will be provided, including cartridge paper, pencil erasers and inks. Please bring:</p><ul><li>Speedball 2968 oblique pen set (pointed nibs)</li><li>HB pencil and layout paper (A4)</li><li>A notebook for notes and sketches</li></ul><p>If you are unsure about materials, please don’t purchase anything in advance. Tools will be demonstrated in class, and guidance will be given. From the second session onwards, students are expected to bring their own materials. If you forget anything, support is always available.</p><p><br> </p><p>Once completed, you could progress to calligraphy course covering a more broad range of scripts such as:</p><ul><li>VE300 City Lit calligraphy course</li><li>VE255 Calligraphy and illumination</li><li>VE249 Modern calligraphy</li><li>VE246 Calligraphy: modern copperplate</li><li>VE265 Calligraphy: Modern copperplate</li></ul><p>Your tutor will be able to advise you during the course.</p>,<p>Other courses in calligraphy and lettering are available - please see the website for more details.<br>Suitable courses may be:<br>VE258 Calligraphy: modern copperplate<br>VE350 Calligraphy: modern copperplate<br>VE257 Modern calligraphy<br>VE221 Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyconfigurable