The Font of All Wisdom?


Seeing the Bamburgh Research Project blog yesterday brought back memories from my dim and distant past. I thought you might be interested to hear this.

The article reminded me of a clay tablet that was found on an archaeological dig. I might have read this  c. 1953, in the family Arthur Mee encyclopaedia. I have searched the web but unfortunately there don’t seem to be any photos.  I do still have the scrap of paper on which I copied these intriguing words, but being the scribe that I am, I have tried here to render this as faithfully to the original, as described and illustrated in the article which was titled The Font Of All Wisdom.

I have never been able to work out the exact meaning of these words or even in which language they were first written. It does remind me though of  the Roman palindrome.

If you can throw some light on this, I would be very pleased to hear it, and I am sure it will make us all the wiser.  Thanks.

My thanks to  The Bamburgh Research Project For giving me the inspiration to do this piece.  Have a look at their site especially if you are hoping to spend some time at a dig during this season, There are places available.

Look for their group on Facebook

And the YouTube video channel.

Enjoy.

Thanks to Gill for coming up with the title.

Keep watching this space.

BRP staff and their own projects


Reblogged from Bamburgh Research Project's Blog: The current blog thread, which explores projects set up by BRP staff and students, will today take a look at an imminent survey project exploring a site of early medieval sculpture on the Wirral. … Continue reading

The Foundational or Roundhand Alphabet. With thanks to Richard Crookes.


You will remember that some time ago Richard allowed me to use his italic worksheets at Bill’s Space. They have proved very popular. Over 1000 views, so far, with many people clicking through to download the zip file.  If you missed them, don’t worry they are still available at his website. 

I was interested to hear that Richard has set up a series of very well attended calligraphy classes in Thailand, and has a blog,  “Calligraphy in Bangkok“, here on WordPress. 

He made this ‘g’ during one of the classes and says, “that ‘g’ was about 4 feet high on a white board. It’s great fun working that large”.
 

He has completed some brilliant worksheets on the Foundational Hand, and has once again given me the go ahead to show them.  I think, however it would be in your own interest to have a look at his blog and a thorough root through his website where among loads of other goodies you will find some copies you can download for yourself. 

ENJOY!

Thanks Richard.

Don’t forget to then come back and see what is going on at our first lesson,  TIME TO GET TO WORK

Keep watching this space.

Cheers.

Welcome to Bill’s Space.


Bill’s Space is aimed  at  anyone who has a love of calligraphy, or lettering. Especially beginners and those who  are  having trouble getting started.  Featuring videos and worksheets, links and articles, all with a bias toward art, calligraphy, lettering, and teacher’s resources, and updated as new material comes to my notice.

A Jack of All Trades. Always aspiring to become a master of lettering, I learned a basic italic hand at school, and became a regular at the local library calligraphy section. It took some years to find a local evening class but once there I found myself able to help fellow students with their struggles. Shortly after this I became a tutor myself at evening classes and also started a local church group.

Back in the eighties my work was exhibited in Luton Library.

For 6 years I was privileged to lead a Calligraphy Workshop/Retreat at Belmont Abbey, Hereford.
Any scribe will tell you that people wrongly assume that if you can put letters on paper you will be able to paint them onto almost anything. Brushwork, though, is a completely different technique to master. Luckily I was able to join a 1 year full-time C&G signwriting course and then worked for some time as a signwriter, but I never lost my love of penmanship.
I hope I can help you on your journey.

UPDATE
Bill’s Space was originally set up to promote good lettering. It has now metamorphosed into an all round meeting point for artists, calligraphers and teachers, worldwide, to relax while they search for that little something different to put in their resources locker. Recently a new group, CALLIGRAPHY at Bill’s Space Mk II, has been set up on Facebook to run alongside the original site. Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience come and join in the fun. The more experienced scribe is encouraged to give help and assistance where needed.

A click on this image will take you to a comprehensive catalogue of tools and materials

I recommend that beginners go straight to Getting Started in Calligraphy where you will find a comprehensive guide on what you need to get started and links to the various lessons.

If you are looking for inspiration a browse through the links pages might just give you the nudge you need.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me through the contact box here-under.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit. Please come again and tell your friends.

For embedded links to all my pictures, prices for commissions etc.,  don’t forget to visit my website, Calligraphy by Bill Grant .

Keep watching this space.

Cheers.

If you would like to donate a few pennies to help with the upkeep of Bill’s Space, please click on the button to link with Paypal.  Many thanks.

My work on eBay in time for St Valentine’s Day


Isn’t it strange how sometimes a passage leaps off the page and really makes you think?   Rumi  has long been an inspiration for me, though I can’t say that I totally live up to his Ideals.  This piece speaks out, I believe, to everyone who has ever been in love, so feel free to copy one of these and send it to your special someone.  If you would like an original take your pick of three I have listed.

 This link will take you to my eBay page where you will find all three versions. 

UNSOLD.   Still available though. at  Calligraphy by Bill Grant

The first is A4 size.  Roundhand.  x height 1/8″.

A3 sizeItalic.  x height 1/4″.

A3 size.  Italic.  x height 1/4″.

Hoping you all have a great Valentines day.

Keep watching this space.

Cheers.