Courses at City Lit

Are you looking for something more challenging than a one day workshop? I teach a range of calligraphy and lettering courses at City Literary Institute in Holborn London which provides an opportunity to study calligraphy and lettering in more depth.

 
 
 

Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers

Learn and develop calligraphy skills on this beginners and improvers course. You will practice with a range of pens and papers, and create a finished example using a favourite quotation. Advice will be given on tools and materials. Suitable for left or right-handers.

  • This course is a chance to develop your key calligraphy skills and gain more confidence writing with broad-edged metal nibs and ink.

    This course is suitable for:

    • the complete beginner

    • those who wish to refresh their calligraphy skills.

    • left and right handers

    Topics covered:

    • Writing with different sizes of nibs

    • Writing with gouache

    • Writing on different paper surfaces

    • Writing a longer quotation.

    By the end of this course you should be able to:

    • Write a quotation or poem using a variety of nib sizes and ink

    For more advanced students:

    • Write a quotation or poem using a variety of nib sizes and gouache.

  • Friday 14th February – Friday 21st March 2025 6.00pm – 9.00pm

  • £279

 
 
 

Try It Out: Calligraphy

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

  • In this short practical course you’ll learn how to write with a broad edged nib and a flexible pointed nib. We’ll also discuss the basic tools and materials you’ll need to explore calligraphy and lettering.

  • Saturday 15th February 2pm - 5.00pm

  • £59

 
 
 
 

Calligraphy: Decorated Letterforms

Gilded initials make perfect gifts for family and friends. You’ll learn painting techniques and how to apply a PVA mordant and use real leaf. You will be provided with a number of decorative alphabet templates and then taken step-by-step through the stages of drawing, painting and applying real gold to create your own illuminated decorated letterform.

  • The pages of illuminated manuscripts were brought to life with the rich, vibrant colour of the decorated letter. This course is an introduction to the history and tools of illumination. You will be guided through the process of drawing an individual letter from outline to gilding and painting.

    You will learn how to:

    • plan and organise a design

    • apply gold onto a PVA mordant

    • paint with gouache.

    By the end of this course you should be able to:

    • use a flat gilding technique

    • paint with gouache

    • select and use appropriate materials effectively

    • go on to further study in calligraphy

    More advanced students:

    • incorporate your illuminated letterform into a block of text.

    • adapt and re-create your own decorated letterforms.

  • Monday 22nd July – Friday 26th July 2024 10.30am - 16.30pm

  • £349