OCT Calligraphy: Lindisfarne Lettering 1

18/10/2026

Duration : 1 Day

| Arts & Craft

This is the first of two linked workshops exploring the lettering of the Lindisfarne Gospels. The second one will take place in May, on the topic of Half Uncial Script.

Each workshop stands alone, so participants may enrol in just one, or both.

We will take a close look at the wonderful Display Capitals in the early 8th century Lindisfarne Gospels and use them to inspire some drawn and decorated lettering of our own.  Everyone will work on a small individual piece, such as a decorative name or other word for a personalised card.  

The day will be accessible to everyone, whether or not you have done any calligraphy or lettering before.  All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment.

Aims & Objectives:

·       To observe the variety of letter shapes in the Lindisfarne Gospels Display Capitals pages.
·       To observe the different ways the 8th century Lindisfarne scribe decorated the letters.
·       To select some letters and make own versions, drawing them and painting them in.
·       To use some decorative techniques to enhance the chosen letters, either traditional or contemporary
·       To complete a small project, such as a decorative name or other word, which could be used in a greeting card design.

Equipment and Materials:

If the item has a * by it, this means it will be available for sale from the tutor on the day. Please bring cash if you wish to purchase items.

·       Cartridge or drawing paper*
·       Watercolour paper (preferably hot pressed) - optional - a sheet approx A3 size should be plenty
·       Tracing paper*
·       Fineliner pen (black)
·       Calligraphy pen with number 6 nib*
·       Small round (not flat) paintbrushes, suggest you bring two or three at least, size approx 3, 4, 5 or 6 (not crucial which size)
·       Gouache, various colours including black*
·       Gold - optional – such as gouache, Finetec or Trocol
·       Palette or suitable pots* for paint (small pots for sale)
·       Pencil
·       Ruler
·       Masking tape
·       Water pot or jam jar
·       Rubber
·       Lightbox if you have one – don’t buy specially as it is not essential to have a lightbox to enjoy this workshop
·       Extension lead if you have one, for lightboxes
·       Folder for handouts
·       A name (or other word) which you would like to write – I suggest around 4 to 12 letters but this is just a guide.

‹ To overview
OCT Calligraphy: Lindisfarne Lettering 1

Course details

Location

Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ

Time

10am - 4pm

Fees

£57

Booking notes

Please call the office on 01223 712340 to be added to the waiting list or email office@adultlearning.education

Tutor

Liz Barrow

I am a CLAS (Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society) Fellow and Accredited Tutor. I’ve been teaching Adult Learning calligraphy classes since 2014, at various centres in Cambridgeshire including Comberton and Bottisham Village Colleges. When not teaching, I’m kept busy providing calligraphic services to the University of Cambridge, and scribing certificates for Quaker and other weddings. I love sharing my enthusiasm for calligraphy with my students.

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