About this course

On this course, you will combine calligraphy and art to create beautiful artworks. You will learn to write in some of the main calligraphy 'hands', how to use the pen and ink, spacing and layout to write a formal script. Then you will put your calligraphic skills to creative use, exploring different ideas, designs, backgrounds and media to 'illustrate', complement and enhance the text. There are many traditional and modern techniques to decorate calligraphy and transform the text into art. The tutor will introduce you to some of these methods using a variety of tools and materials; e.g. embellishing and colouring letters. By the end of the course, you will have created at least one beautiful calligraphic work.

There is no set ‘homework’, but you are welcome to practise and do further work at home.

There is no qualification for this course.

There is limited parking on site, but there is a public car park nearby and on-street parking.

How will I be taught?

There will be individual and group tuition and demonstrations.
There will be individual and group feedback.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need to provide your own materials for this course. Please do not buy anything especially for the course until you have checked with the Canterbury Centre on 03000 41 22 22, about a week before it starts, that the course is going ahead,

You will need to bring the following things to the first session:

Calligraphy pen nibs (Mitchell nibs or Tape nibs are recommended for beginners)
Pen holder
Calligraphy ink (non-water proof ink) or Gouache,
Small brush, water jar, palette
Kitchen paper
Layout paper pad (A3) for practice
Pencil (HB or 2H) Sharpener, eraser
Ruler (about 30 cm to 45 cm), T square if you have one

During the first session, the tutor will explain about the equipment and materials. If you wish, you can buy your pen nibs and layout paper from the tutor. If you already have some calligraphy tools and materials, please bring them to the first session.

What can I do next?

A further calligraphy course. We hope to be able to put on another course at Canterbury in the summer term.

What do I need to join the course

Beginners and those with a little experience of calligraphy.