Elegant capitals in modern calligraphy

Capital letters are the jewels of calligraphy - bold, graceful, and endlessly expressive. This course invites you to master the art of elegant capitals, blending technical precision with creativity to elevate your calligraphic work. Whether you are looking to refine your skills or bring a modern edge to traditional forms, this six-week class offers the perfect space to experiment, practise, and create beautiful capital letterf...

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  • Start Date: 12 Apr 2026
    End Date: 17 May 2026
    Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: VE711
    Full fee £459.00 Senior fee £367.00 Concession £298.00
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In stock
SKU
242306
Full fee £459.00 Senior fee £367.00 Concession £298.00

What is the course about?

This six-week course focuses on mastering modern capital letterforms, helping you to refine your technical skills while exploring personal style and creative expression. This course dives into the expressive world of modern capital letterforms. Building on traditional calligraphy, you'll explore how to craft elegant and dynamic uppercase letters using pointed pen techniques. Expect to combine historical insight with contemporary flair to refine the art of capital lettering.

What will we cover?

  • Explore the history and function of capital letterforms in calligraphy
  • Study structural elements of capitals, including proportion, spacing, rhythm, and balance
  • Practise pointed-pen techniques with a focus on pressure control and stroke variation
  • Learn to add flourishes, ligatures, and stylistic details to enhance elegance
  • Analyse different styles of capitals and experiment with modern variations
  • Develop layouts combining capitals with text for composition and impact
  • Work on personal projects such as decorative pieces
  • Receive feedback to refine your skills and create polished final work

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

By the end of the course you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate precision in creating structured and balanced capital letters.
  • Confidently manage pen pressure, rhythm, and spacing to achieve refined strokes.
  • Incorporate flourish and stylistic variation into your capitals while maintaining clarity
  • Apply your skills in polished projects that showcase your personal aesthetic

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

This is an improvers-level course, designed for those who already have some experience with pointed-pen calligraphy. A basic comfort with letterforms and pen control ensures you can make the most of the advanced capital-focused techniques.

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

Learning takes place through tutor-led demonstrations, in-class practice, and personalised feedback. You’ll also be encouraged to experiment with your own designs and refine your approach between sessions to build fluency and confidence.

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

You’ll need the following for the first session: 

  • A notebook for sketching and note-taking. 
  • Pointed pen (straight or oblique), several nibs, and black ink.
  • Layout or tracing paper (A3 size) plus a pencil, eraser, and ruler. 
  • Your tutor will discuss additional recommended materials during the first class. Some specialist materials (such as additional inks and high-quality papers) will be introduced during the course. If you are unsure what to buy, your tutor will advise in the first session.

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

Upon completion, you may wish to explore further calligraphy courses such as:

  • City Lit Calligraphy Course (VE300)
  • Modern Calligraphy (VE249)
  • Modern Copperplate calligraphy for improvers (VE246)
  • Calligraphy and illumination (VE228)
  • Calligraphy: illumination and gilding (VE274)

Veiko Kespersaks

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.