Course details:

After a brief overview of the history of calligraphy, participants will focus on a beautiful eighth-century script, known as Uncial, trying out some of the letters with a broad-edged nib and ink. By the end of the session everyone will have had the opportunity to try writing out a name or a short quotation, perhaps adding a little colour as well.

Previous knowledge and experience needed?:

This session is designed for complete beginners to calligraphy. Those who already have a little experience will also enjoy the session.

Aim of the day:

For participants to find out a little about what calligraphy is, perhaps with the view to joining a weekly class in a future term.

Learning objectives

· Gain an insight into the historical origins of today’s calligraphy

· Gain some experience of handling and using broad-edged nibs and ink

· Use a broad-edged nib to write some letters of the Uncial alphabet

· Write out a name or a favourite quotation to take home

· Add some colour if wished, and if time allows

Materials and equipment needed:

Broad-edged nibs, ink, and paper will be for sale on the day. Please bring some cash to purchase these from the tutor, as she is unable to take card payments. You are likely to spend approx £5.00 depending on what you wish to purchase.

You will need to bring the following: pencil, ruler, protractor, eraser, old jam jar (to use as a water pot), old/cheap small brush for loading the pen with ink, and

an old cloth or tea towel for protecting the table. You may wish to bring coloured pencils for adding some decoration but these are entirely optional.

Calligraphy is done on a sloping board. There will be a few to borrow, but if you happen to have your own rigid portable board, for example a piece of MDF, please do bring it (suggested size at least A3, if possible a little larger). You could use the board in your lap resting against the edge of the table, or alternatively please bring two fat rolls of kitchen towel to prop the board up on the table, and a couple of blobs of blu-tack to prevent it sliding.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

If you have enjoyed the taster session, you may like to join a weekly class (from September). Calligraphy is a hugely broad subject and there is always something new to learn. Over time, you would have the opportunity to learn different scripts and, if wished, work towards CLAS (Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society) Certificates. The classes will also offer a chance to consider layout and design, and to use calligraphy for creative projects.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.