Tag Archives: Handwriting

Luton Calligraphy Workshops. Week 1

Posted on March 28, 2013 | 5 comments

It was good to see so many people showing an interest and turning out on such a freezing cold day. I know that some had some experience, but most had no idea what they were letting themselves in for. They each received a starter pack with the instructions, “On pain of death, do not write on these guideline sheets”. “Why not?” you may ask. Well, with care these sheets will last a lifetime. Once written on, unless you have unlimited access to a copier or PC with a printer, they are gone.

In the pack were …. A3, Roundhand and Roman alphabets. 1 inch lines, a double page spread of 1/8 inch lines. A4, a sheet of 1/8 inch lines with various combinations of letter sizes that can be used using the same guideline sheet, and a simple spacing guide, “the balloon is going up”.

…….. and a set of double pencils.

First, with a sheet of decorators lining paper spread across two tables, a very brief (we are here to learn how to do, rather than why) history of the scripts we were going to be using in this session, from Greek, to Roman Capitals, Roman Cursive, leaving Uncials for another day, through Alcuin’s involvement with the Carolingian and Humanist scripts, to Edward Johnston’s study of his foundational hand with which we begin today. Incidentally, Johnston’s book, Writing & Illuminating & Lettering is available, free, to download or read online.

Perhaps I should have used Jeffrey’s video to illustrate.

From Alpha to Omega, and A to Z and then a 30 foot roll of humanist minuscules with an x height of 12 inches spread before them the participants were invited to join in with their double pencils. Then, when I thought I had them on the ropes, I allowed a weary but cheery group to take a seat and with their 1 inch guidelines, begin the first lesson in earnest.

Update. This video was filmed at Luton Irish Forum Calligraphy Group on 1st October 2013 by Peter Moss.

First tracing from the guide sheet and then freehand using the 1 inch lines and referring to Calligradoodles 0002, cups of tea and lots of chat, time was flying and skills increasing. Roman Capitals (Lesson Two) will have to wait ’til next time but has been set as “gentle” homework as our next meeting is two weeks from now.

A very quick look at what we shall be playing with over the next four sessions,

plus, at some point we are hoping to do a live filming of Old English Blackletter Caps and minuscules as they are demonstrated. It looks as if we are going to be kept very busy indeed.

I know that some of the class are unable, due to previous engagements, work etc to attend each session, but if you follow the blog and practise whenever you can, you should be able to keep up with events.

With Thanks to Luton Culture and the Museum staff for putting up with us, and JEWELS for their generously discounted materials.

Don’t forget. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to use the comments box.

More help and support at Calligraphy at Bill’s Space Mk II on Facebook.

Looking forward to next time.

Link to WEEK 2

Keep watching this space, and P,P,P.

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Posted in ,calligraphy,calligraffiti,lettering, how to, Art, Beginners, Calligraphy Workshop

Tagged calligraphy, Education, Guideline sheets, Handwriting, learn calligraphy, Luton, printable calligraphy practice worksheets, Wardown Park Museum, workshop

Calligraphy and handwriting for Children

Posted on April 15, 2012 | 5 comments

I am often asked how long I have been doing calligraphy and how I got interested in the first place.

As a youngster, the only books in the house were a 10 volume Arthur Mee Childrens Encyclopaedia. The many articles and illustrations of ancient civilisations, carvings and manuscripts that I found there really fuelled my imagination and have been my inspiration to this day.

At about age eleven I was lucky enough to have an art teacher who had a great interest in calligraphy / lettering. He taught us a form of italic script and issued licences, to those of us who became proficient enough, to use it in the classroom. To my great shame, I never attained the standard required and so, was not allowed to use italics to write my essays and compositions. I did, however, at that early age, have my own fountain pen. I don’t remember how I came by it, but it was probably a Christmas or Birthday present. This pen was an Osmiroid 65 with a medium italic nib and I was soon in great demand in the neighbourhood to write cards and envelopes and suchlike, but my first real commission, for which I received one shilling, was The Lord’s Prayer written in a spiral. That pen was lost some time ago but lately I found another on eBay complete with ten nibs. Writing with it really brings back memories. One other thing I was taught at that time has been a great help all through my life. When drawing or colouring letters, don’t turn the paper to give better access to the brush, crayon or whatever. One day you might have to put your letters on a wall, so learn to always work in the one position. (Except when doing this)…………………………..

Not my first commission, but very similar.
Here are a number of links and videos all with a view to teaching children to enjoy the making of good letters. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a youngster, or an older beginner, there will be much here to stir the interest and get you or your class started . Don’t forget the links to “Lessons” on the right of this page and the many art / calligraphy based links to be found elsewhere at Bill’s Space.

A very interesting study of cursive writing /learning.” What’s Lost as Handwriting Fades”. “Does handwriting matter?”

Cursive writing under threat.

Doodling with double pencils or markers, and filling with colour is a very good introduction to learning how the thick and thin strokes are formed.

This one is from the Monica Dengo calligraphy teaching site. In Italian but the enthusiasm shines through just the same.

An educational philosophy encompassing all creative subjects backs up the teaching of handwriting in France. The French believe that giving children the ability to write will free their minds to perform creatively throughout their lives. So they teach handwriting as a subject in its own right.And they teach handwriting in a uniform way throughout primary schools, using traditional calligraphy to produce a distinctive, ornate hand.This programme visits a school in Lyon to see how students in Year 1 and Year 6 develop this ability.

Calli and Graphy

Home Education Resources Free printable practice sheets

Alphabet Handwriting worksheets plus colouring pages etc.

See also the rest of the series
Learn to Write Calligraphy

Teaching cursive

Welcome to Bill’s Space.

Posted on February 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

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.