Try it out: calligraphy
Course Code: VE251
Duration: 2 sessions
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
No equipment is needed for the first session. However, you will need to purchase an A3 folder for handouts and
worksheets. Advice will be given about tools and materials you can purchase to enable practice between sessions
or if you progress to further study.
What will we cover?
- Mark-making exercises to help you understand how to use the tools
- How to write an alphabet in groups of related letterforms
- Letter and word spacing.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Write with a broad-edged pen held at a specific angle
- Write thick and thin strokes with a flexible nib
- Write an alphabet with cohesive letterforms
More advanced students:
- Write a longer piece of text.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for the complete beginner.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for
health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. Please look at the rest of the
course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to
take part fully in this class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
During the class there will be group and individual demonstrations.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
- An A3 presentation folder for handouts and worksheets
- A pencil and notebook
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?
Other suitable courses include:
- VE245 Calligraphy for beginners
- VE238 Calligraphy and illumination
- VE300 City Lit calligraphy course
- VE246 Calligraphy: modern copperplate
- VE211 Calligraphy: copperplate and spencarian scripts
- VE227 Calligraphy: Italic.
Sharon is a London based left-handed calligrapher, lettering artist and illustrator. She studied Calligraphy and Bookbinding at Roehampton University and was awarded a first class honours degree in 2003. In 2010 she became a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators. Sharon believes anyone can learn calligraphy if you relax, enjoy the process and allow yourself to make lots and lots and lots of mistakes. Sharon’s other courses at City Lit are: Calligraphy For Beginners, Calligraphy Handwriting: Developing your Style, Calligraphy and Brush lettering, Calligraphy class: Illuminated lettering and Calligraphy and Decorated Letterforms.
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.