Try it out calligraphy: formal and modern

Would you like to find out about the difference between formal calligraphy and modern calligraphy? Come along to this session and have a go at writing both styles. Beginners and improvers welcome.
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  • Start Date: 14 Feb 2026
    End Date: 14 Feb 2026
    This course is full
    Sat (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: VE271
    Tutors:  Sharon Shaw
    Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00

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Book your place
Out of stock
SKU
235246
Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00

What is the course about?

If you want to learn the difference between formal calligraphy and modern calligraphy this session is the perfect introduction for you.

What will we cover?

- How to write with a broad edged nib
- How to write with a flexible pointed nib
- Basic tools and materials.

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

- Demonstrate how to write strokes with a broad edged pen held at a specific pen angle
- Demonstrate how to write thick and thin strokes with a flexible pointed nib.

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

This course is suitable for the complete beginner or those who wish to refresh their calligraphy skills. 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.

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?

No equipment is needed for this workshop. Advice will be given about tools and materials you may wish to purchase for further study.
 

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

The following courses may be of interest:
VE300 City Lit calligraphy course
VE225 Calligraphy and Illumination
VE246 Calligraphy: Modern Copperplate
VE227 Calligraphy evening course
VE245 Calligraphy for beginners
VE249 Modern calligraphy.

Sharon Shaw Tutor Website

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.