Step into the world of calligraphy and discover the beauty of both historical and modern letterforms. This course is designed for improvers who wish to refine their technical skills while exploring creativity. You’ll study elegant scripts from the past, develop a personal modern alphabet, and bring your ideas to life through expressive projects.
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.
Study four to six historical scripts, including Roman Capitals
Practise both pointed pen and broad nib techniques
Explore proportion, rhythm, spacing, and serif details
Develop a personalised modern alphabet
Complete creative projects such as cards, panels, or manuscript-inspired work
Gain confidence with tools, inks, and specialist materials
What will we cover?
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 interesting insight into the history of calligraphy, and the Contemporary international calligraphy world. As a group we will observe and discuss texts from the past and present, and each student will carry out a deep analysis of an historical script. Through drills and exercises, you will practice making their letterforms regular and fluent, with feedback and support from the instructor.
Experienced students who would like to improve their existing skills will be able to focus on more detailed lettering aspects such as weight, height, compression, and angles. Variations of the lower-case letters will be examined along with an exploration of the small changes that can drastically alter the appearance of letterforms. During the course, depending on your individual skill level, you will be able to complete one of these projects: - handmade card for a special occasion - poetry panel or letter - wedding/party stationery - deep analysis of an historical script - designing your own alphabet - script/rhythm variations in a concertina book - copperplate writing book - an ex-libris bookplate - decorated/illustrated panel or inspirational artwork - illuminated text page with border.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Analyse and recreate distinctive characteristics of historical scripts
Use a range of tools (pens, inks, papers) with confidence and purpose
Design and refine your own alphabet, incorporating weight, slope, spacing, and serif details
Execute clean, fluent letterforms that balance tradition with modern expression
Complete personal creative projects such as cards, panels, booklets, or translated manuscript designs
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an improver-level course, suitable for those with some basic familiarity with calligraphy—especially pointed pen and broad nib techniques. Beginners with a strong interest and willingness to practice are welcome. All participants should be comfortable following simple written and spoken English instructions and familiar with basic measurements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn through tutor-led demonstrations, guided exercises, and one-to-one feedback. Each session blends structured practice with creative exploration. While class time enables most progress, extra practice between sessions is encouraged to build fluency and support personal projects.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring the following to the first class:
A notebook for notes and sketches
A4 layout and tracing paper
Two HB pencils, eraser, and ruler
Basic calligraphy tools if you have them (pens, nibs, ink)
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?
Your tutor will be able to advise you on forthcoming classes in calligraphy at City Lit. Suitable courses might be: VE265 Modern copperplate calligraphy for improvers VE263 Modern Calligraphy VE228 Calligraphy and illumination VE230 Calligraphy after work VE263 Modern calligraphy
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/modern-and-historical-calligraphy-for-improvers2925255Modern and historical calligraphy for improvershttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/e/ve246_265_258_2.jpeg459459GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Calligraphy22851132113911421228511321139<p>Step into the world of calligraphy and discover the beauty of both historical and modern letterforms. This course is designed for improvers who wish to refine their technical skills while exploring creativity. You’ll study elegant scripts from the past, develop a personal modern alphabet, and bring your ideas to life through expressive projects.</p>002540005Modern and historical calligraphy for improvers459459https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/e/ve246_265_258_3.jpegInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-13T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026Art & designVE258459459Modern and historical calligraphy for improvers367298459Veiko Kespersaksmodern-and-historical-calligraphy-for-improvers/ve258-2526<p>Step into the world of calligraphy and discover the beauty of both historical and modern letterforms. This course is designed for improvers who wish to refine their technical skills while exploring creativity. You’ll study elegant scripts from the past, develop a personal modern alphabet, and bring your ideas to life through expressive projects.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-13 00:00:00<ul><li><p>Study four to six historical scripts, including Roman Capitals</p></li><li>Practise both pointed pen and broad nib techniques</li><li><p>Explore proportion, rhythm, spacing, and serif details</p></li><li><p>Develop a personalised modern alphabet</p></li><li><p>Complete creative projects such as cards, panels, or manuscript-inspired work</p></li><li><p>Gain confidence with tools, inks, and specialist materials</p></li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Step into the world of calligraphy and discover the beauty of both historical and modern letterforms. This course is designed for improvers who wish to refine their technical skills while exploring creativity. You’ll study elegant scripts from the past, develop a personal modern alphabet, and bring your ideas to life through expressive projects.</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 interesting insight into the history of calligraphy, and the Contemporary international calligraphy world. As a group we will observe and discuss texts from the past and present, and each student will carry out a deep analysis of an historical script. Through drills and exercises, you will practice making their letterforms regular and fluent, with feedback and support from the instructor.<br/> <br/>Experienced students who would like to improve their existing skills will be able to focus on more detailed lettering aspects such as weight, height, compression, and angles. Variations of the lower-case letters will be examined along with an exploration of the small changes that can drastically alter the appearance of letterforms. 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/>- deep analysis of an historical script<br/>- designing your own alphabet<br/>- script/rhythm variations in a concertina book<br/>- copperplate writing book<br/>- an ex-libris bookplate<br/>- decorated/illustrated panel or inspirational artwork<br/>- illuminated text page with border.<ul><li>Analyse and recreate distinctive characteristics of historical scripts</li><li>Use a range of tools (pens, inks, papers) with confidence and purpose</li><li>Design and refine your own alphabet, incorporating weight, slope, spacing, and serif details</li><li>Execute clean, fluent letterforms that balance tradition with modern expression</li><li>Complete personal creative projects such as cards, panels, booklets, or translated manuscript designs</li></ul><p>This is an improver-level course, suitable for those with some basic familiarity with calligraphy—especially pointed pen and broad nib techniques. Beginners with a strong interest and willingness to practice are welcome. All participants should be comfortable following simple written and spoken English instructions and familiar with basic measurements.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>You will learn through tutor-led demonstrations, guided exercises, and one-to-one feedback. Each session blends structured practice with creative exploration. While class time enables most progress, extra practice between sessions is encouraged to build fluency and support personal projects.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Please bring the following to the first class:</p><ul><li>A notebook for notes and sketches</li><li>A4 layout and tracing paper</li><li>Two HB pencils, eraser, and ruler</li><li>Basic calligraphy tools if you have them (pens, nibs, ink)</li><li>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.</li></ul><p><br/> </p><p>Your tutor will be able to advise you on forthcoming classes in calligraphy at City Lit.<br/>Suitable courses might be:<br/>VE265 Modern copperplate calligraphy for improvers<br/>VE263 Modern Calligraphy<br/>VE228 Calligraphy and illumination<br/>VE230 Calligraphy after work<br/>VE263 Modern calligraphy</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyvirtual367459298VE258NONEMon13/04/26 - 29/06/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:0010 sessions (over 12 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVeiko KespersaksSome experienceAvailable courses2026-04-13T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Art & design459459Modern and historical calligraphy for improversmodern-and-historical-calligraphy-for-improvers/ve258-2526<p>Step into the world of calligraphy and discover the beauty of both historical and modern letterforms. This course is designed for improvers who wish to refine their technical skills while exploring creativity. You’ll study elegant scripts from the past, develop a personal modern alphabet, and bring your ideas to life through expressive projects.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-13 00:00:00<ul><li><p>Study four to six historical scripts, including Roman Capitals</p></li><li>Practise both pointed pen and broad nib techniques</li><li><p>Explore proportion, rhythm, spacing, and serif details</p></li><li><p>Develop a personalised modern alphabet</p></li><li><p>Complete creative projects such as cards, panels, or manuscript-inspired work</p></li><li><p>Gain confidence with tools, inks, and specialist materials</p></li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Step into the world of calligraphy and discover the beauty of both historical and modern letterforms. This course is designed for improvers who wish to refine their technical skills while exploring creativity. You’ll study elegant scripts from the past, develop a personal modern alphabet, and bring your ideas to life through expressive projects.</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 interesting insight into the history of calligraphy, and the Contemporary international calligraphy world. As a group we will observe and discuss texts from the past and present, and each student will carry out a deep analysis of an historical script. Through drills and exercises, you will practice making their letterforms regular and fluent, with feedback and support from the instructor.<br/> <br/>Experienced students who would like to improve their existing skills will be able to focus on more detailed lettering aspects such as weight, height, compression, and angles. Variations of the lower-case letters will be examined along with an exploration of the small changes that can drastically alter the appearance of letterforms. 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/>- deep analysis of an historical script<br/>- designing your own alphabet<br/>- script/rhythm variations in a concertina book<br/>- copperplate writing book<br/>- an ex-libris bookplate<br/>- decorated/illustrated panel or inspirational artwork<br/>- illuminated text page with border.<ul><li>Analyse and recreate distinctive characteristics of historical scripts</li><li>Use a range of tools (pens, inks, papers) with confidence and purpose</li><li>Design and refine your own alphabet, incorporating weight, slope, spacing, and serif details</li><li>Execute clean, fluent letterforms that balance tradition with modern expression</li><li>Complete personal creative projects such as cards, panels, booklets, or translated manuscript designs</li></ul><p>This is an improver-level course, suitable for those with some basic familiarity with calligraphy—especially pointed pen and broad nib techniques. Beginners with a strong interest and willingness to practice are welcome. All participants should be comfortable following simple written and spoken English instructions and familiar with basic measurements.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>You will learn through tutor-led demonstrations, guided exercises, and one-to-one feedback. Each session blends structured practice with creative exploration. While class time enables most progress, extra practice between sessions is encouraged to build fluency and support personal projects.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Please bring the following to the first class:</p><ul><li>A notebook for notes and sketches</li><li>A4 layout and tracing paper</li><li>Two HB pencils, eraser, and ruler</li><li>Basic calligraphy tools if you have them (pens, nibs, ink)</li><li>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.</li></ul><p><br/> </p><p>Your tutor will be able to advise you on forthcoming classes in calligraphy at City Lit.<br/>Suitable courses might be:<br/>VE265 Modern copperplate calligraphy for improvers<br/>VE263 Modern Calligraphy<br/>VE228 Calligraphy and illumination<br/>VE230 Calligraphy after work<br/>VE263 Modern calligraphy</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyconfigurable
