Calligraphy Workshop - English Roundhand

If you're a budding calligrapher with an interest in classical copperplate script, this 2day virtual calligraphy course is a brilliant way to deepen your understanding of this historical letterform. No matter your level of experience with calligraphy, this engaging and informative live-streaming workshop from master scribe Paul Antonio will give you a deep insight into English Roundhand and how you can incorporate it into your own work.

Under Paul's expert tutelage, you'll not only learn the techniques of this lesser-known script but also its historical and cultural context — ideal for the scholars among you! Beginning with soft pencils, you'll practise variations of different letterforms using Paul's unique teaching approach, before moving on to using flexible metal nibs. A demonstration with quills will help you to connect with the historical aspect of the hand.

Don't worry if you don't know your minuscules from your majuscules, as Paul will share the benefits of his decades of experience and research to assist you in understanding the secrets of mastering this beautiful handwritten script. There'll also be an optional Q&A session after each class, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions and pick Paul's brain about the finer points of calligraphy.

Know someone who is practising calligraphy? This one-of-a-kind course would make an ideal gift, or something fun to do together. Whether you're just starting out or want to broaden your knowledge of one of the many scripts which make up calligraphy, this course should not be missed!

Please note:

There are some pre-recorded videos which you should familiarise yourself with before the course:

Posture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3o-XqiDohs

Placement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz2806GJteQ

Position: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtvNpVNOqA&t=1s

Additional information

• No hard-soled shoes, ideally you want to just be wearing socks. You might find cushions useful if you need to get more height at your desk or table.
• If your feet don't touch the floor when sitting at your desk or table, a box or footrest would be handy to help with your posture. If you're tall, adjust your seat to table ratio before the workshop, preferably working at a straight-edged table.
• Short sleeves are better for this class (if you are wearing long-sleeves, you will need to roll them up past your elbow).
• Clear your writing surface of anything other than what is listed — you'll need the space!

• Paper – Layout or Marker Pad, A4 or US Letter size, no tracing paper. Make sure you can see through once the guidelines are under it.
• Nibs – Finer is better, e.g. a Hunt 22B nib, you can go as fine as Gillott 303 nibs but no G nibs.
• Ink – Whatever you feel comfortable with.
• Quills – At least two quills.
• Pencil – An HB, 4B and a 6B, plus a separate pencil if you are writing notes in pencil (a mechanical pencil is fine for this).
• Pen – A fine tip red pen (or any colour which contrasts with the ink you are writing in).
• Light – Ensure your light is bright and movable so you do not end up with shadows.

• A straight-edged ruler.
• A protractor.
• Four small paper clips.
• Four blank guard sheets (A4 or US Letter).
• A playing card (a larger size if you are a little clumsy!).
• A cloth to wipe your nib on.
• A short, open-mouth jar of water.
• Blue tac or similar.
• A strip of fine sandpaper.
• A pencil sharpener.
• A quill knife or Exacto Knife with a pack of blades (no scalpel knives nor blades).
• Arkansas Stone (if using a quill knife).
• A little piece of flat glass.

This class series runs over 2 consecutive days.