isn’t a problem, but it won’t give you the look
you’re hoping for) with a good absorption rate.
Vellum or parchment can also be used.
In Chinese and Japanese calligraphy a brush is
more often used. This gives a different final look
and works well with the intricate patterns and
lines of the sinograms.
If you want to try calligraphy for yourself, there
are courses and events in Kent to get you started.
Here are just a few of them…
Calligraphy Workshops //
Kent Adult Education (various locations)
Kent Adult Education often runs free calligraphy
workshop sessions across the county. These
taster sessions talk about the different styles of
calligraphy as well as the history, before allowing
those taking part to try it for themselves. KAE
also runs a variety of different calligraphy courses
from beginner to expert.
www.kentadulteducation.co.uk
The Calligraphy Studio // Sandwich
Julia Baxter offers 10-week adult calligraphy
classes from her home in Sandwich, but she
also offers private tuition. Julia works as a fulltime scribe and can often be seen at historical
events where she will demonstrate the art of
calligraphy.
www.calligraphystudio.org
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Beginners’ Calligraphy // Sun In The Wood
Craft Days // Sittingbourne
Whether you are a complete novice or have some
calligraphy experience, this day will bring out all
of your creative talents. It starts with a brief
introduction to using nibs and quills, then explains
how the letter is formed using inks and colours.
Learn more about gilding (the art of laying gold
leaf as practiced by the medieval monks in their
traditional illuminated manuscripts). Your day will
take you through all the various stages needed
to create a gold leafed letter to take home
mounted and framed.
No previous experience of lettering is necessary!
The day costs £55 and includes a light lunch,
snacks and drinks throughout the day, all
materials, course notes, and your finished project
to take home with you.
www.suninthewoodcraftdays.co.uk
Calligraphy Workshops // The Cinque Port
Scribes (various locations)
The Cinque Port Scribes was set up in 1992 and
is open to anyone with an interest in calligraphy
and the lettering arts. Throughout the year its
members run various different workshops catering
for a number of different styles of calligraphy
including large brush calligraphy, Anglo Saxon
lettering, the principles of design, and illuminated
lettering.
www.cinqueportsscribes.org.uk