Calligraphy Workshop - English Vernacular Script

If you've ever wanted to learn a form of classical calligraphy but didn't know where to begin, this two-day online calligraphy course on English Vernacular Script is a brilliant starting point. Whether you're a novice or experienced practitioner, this engaging and informative live-streaming workshop from master scribe Paul Antonio will give you more insight into the family of copperplate scripts, and how you can incorporate their variety of letterforms into your own projects.

Under Paul's expert tutelage, you'll learn the techniques of this lesser-known script, alongside its fascinating history and broader cultural context. Beginning with soft pencils, you'll practise a host of hand-scribing techniques for the letterforms and punctuation. Once you've built up your confidence with the pencil work you will swiftly settle into the pointed flexible metal nib for more accurate letters.

Don't worry if you've never picked up a nib before, as Paul will share the benefits of his decades of experience and research to help you build your skills in this beautiful, relaxing art form. There'll also be an optional Q&A session after each class for any burning questions or queries you might have for a master scribe.

Whether you're a complete beginner keen to start your journey or looking for the ideal gift for the calligrapher in your life, this course is a brilliant opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Please note:

There are some pre-recorded videos that you should familiarise yourself with before your class:

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.
• Pencil – 1 x each of HB, 4B and a 6B, plus a separate pencil if you are writing notes in pencil (a mechanical pencil is fine for the note taking).
• 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.
• 4 x small paper clips.
• 4 x 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 or blades).
• Arkansas Stone (if using a quill knife).
• A little piece of flat glass.

This class series runs over 2 consecutive days.