Modern copperplate calligraphy for improvers
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VE264
- Dates: 26/04/25 - 24/05/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Veiko Kespersaks
Course Code: VE264
Choose a start date
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This course will cover script analysis, letter flourishing, and script variations. You will be using a flexible, pointed nib to write letterforms inspired by traditional copperplate calligraphy but with a contemporary twist. The course offers a deeper understanding of the script structure, letterforms, spacing, letter variations, and flourishes (letter embellishments).
What will we cover?
You’ll begin with the script analysis, go through lower-case and upper-case flourishes, and complete your studies with script variations.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Complete a deep analysis of an historical script
- Understand script variations
- Understand and use letter combinations
- Understand script/rhythm variations
- Choose an appropriate handwriting style for a particular occasion.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for improvers and requires a basic knowledge of the copperplate hand. 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.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group and individual demonstrations will be supported by discussions, visual references, and worksheets. You will mainly learn by doing. It would be beneficial if you could do some practise between sessions, however this is not essential. No preparation is required beforehand, however feel free to refresh your pen skills at home ahead of the session if you wish.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pencil and a pad for notetaking. Some materials and tools are provided for use during class. If you have previously purchased writing tools, then please bring these along. You will be able to try all suggested tools and materials during the course and the tutor will advise on best options for you. Direction will be provided in the first session on what to bring for future classes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
VE2221Calligraphy: modern copperplate variations
VE211 Calligraphy: Spencarian scripts
VE300 City Lit 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.