COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Dip Pen & Ink
​
​Regular Calligraphy Classes for
​Beginners & Improvers
Mistley Quay Workshops, High Street, Mistley CO11 1HB
​
​Come and join my calligraphy classes in the riverside village of Mistley.

Immerse yourself in the art of beautiful writing - for pleasure, relaxation or study.

​After a short introduction to calligraphic styles, we will begin with the basics of forming elegant letters using pencil, traditional dip pen and ink.

I offer two scripts to start you off :
  • Italic with a square-edged nib
  • Copperplate with a pointed pen

The courses are suited to all levels of learning from absolute beginners to those wishing to improve.

​A small group (max 8) means you'll enjoy personal and close tuition. 
There will be demonstrations of lettering and individual guidance to uncover the potential to expand your own ideas with a view to creating a unique piece of work.  

​An array of tools and techniques used will also be explored.


All classes are offered individually with no commitment beyond each workshop.  They can be booked as a block of six or more for a discounted rate.  Also ten percent off for a double session on Saturday.

​Basic calligraphy materials are included and extra supplies are available to buy.  You'll need to bring a few basic items such as pencil, ruler, etc., but I'll provide a list on booking. 
The venue is a well-lit and peaceful workroom within the Mistley Quay Workshops with a stunning view out over the River Stour. 

​There'll be plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits.  For our lunch break, bring something from home or there's a cafe next door.

Unrestricted parking nearby. Nearest railway station is Mistley, 2-3 minutes walk away.

Please note : Access to the building is via a staircase.
PAYMENT
!Please check availability with me before making payment as classes fill up quickly:
• email
• contact form
• call or text 0781 6677342
Click here for payment details via PayPal, BACS or by cheque.
SATURDAYS
​morning 10am-1pm​ 
afternoon 2pm - 5pm

​2020
​
JAN 4
                  JAN 18 (am only)
FEB 1, 15
MAR 7, 21
APR 4, 18
MAY 2,23
JUN 13,20
JUL 4,11
​
​​£25 per session
10% discount for 6+ sessions
 WEDNESDAYS
​10am-4pm

2020
       
        JAN 22 FULL
FEB 5
             FEB 19 1 LEFT
             MAR 11 1 LEFT
MAR 25
APR 8, 22
MAY 6, 27
JUN 10, 24
​JUL 8

£38.50 per session or
£33.00 each for 6+ sessions
Please note :
• full payment will secure your place
• no refunds or transfers are available
SPECIAL
​ONE-DAY
​WORKSHOPS
WINTER SEASON

​Create an

ILLUMINATED LETTER

One-day workshop on Saturday 7 December 2019
10am-4pm      
£45

Enjoy learning the process of applying gold leaf with exquisite effect and to paint with gouache using a fine brush to create your own illuminated initial.

A selection of inspiring historical and contemporary letters will be available for you to choose. You will be carefully guided through the process of tracing down, gilding, decorating and detailing your letter to produce a beautiful and unique design. If you wish, your favourite colours or motifs can be incorporated.

All materials and tools provided. Maximum 8 people.


FULLY BOOKED
DESIGN & LAYOUT
for Calligraphers
​
One-day workshop on Saturday 25 January 2020
10am-4pm 
£45

Design relates to the elements of a piece of work and how these are presented together. It involves problem solving, planning and organising. Layout is the arrangement of those elements and is intrinsic to the overall design.

This workshop is aimed specifically at calligraphers wanting to learn and understand the key points in producing unified and visually pleasing pieces of finished work.

Working through examples of different formal layouts, we'll examine practical aspects (paper proportions, letter and line spacing) and visual details (balance, use of space).

Paper will be supplied. You will need to bring drawing equipment and quotes/prose written in a calligraphic script.
​
Not suitable for absolute beginners. Maximum 8 people.


BOOK YOUR PLACE​

​BASIC BOOKMAKING

One-day workshop on Saturday 22 February 2020
10am-4pm 
£50

In this workshop you will learn how to construct simple soft-cover books using saddle stitch and Japanese sewn binding.

We will make a selection of interesting and practical styles including various size notebooks, concertina books and sketchbooks using quality paper enclosed in lovely decorative covers.

All books are of simple construction so this workshop is suitable for absolute beginners.
​
All materials and tools provided. Maximum 8 people.


BOOK YOUR PLACE