Tag Archives: Luton Irish Forum

Luton Irish Forum, 20th anniversary. Hosts to our Calligraphy Group

Posted on May 9, 2018 | Leave a comment

Filmed over the space of a few days but edited to ten minutes. Congratulations to Lydia Howe for her mastery of the lens and her way with people. Thanks for showing that the arts are well catered for alongside all the other good works carried out on a daily basis by LIF.

Our Calligraphy Group at the Luton Irish Forum, Four Year Anniversary

Posted on October 3, 2017 | Leave a comment

It seems like only yesterday but I was reminded that it is four years today since Noelette, CO of Luton Irish Forum, gave us the chance to set up what might be the only Calligraphy Group in Bedfordshire or perhaps even further afield. Since then many have come and gone but our little band has grown and continues to flourish (excuse the pun), with three more beginners just this week. It seems we have become a wee community of great friends among the greater community which is LIF.

We are never happier than when we have an ongoing project. Members always asking for another banner or some-such thing to work on. Here are a few projects we have enjoyed sharing over this period.

Due to the nature of my blog editing software the pics may be a little out of order but you will see that we have had some great fun over the years. Thanks again to all at LIF, members past and present, not forgetting our late great friend and Fine Artist, the Hat Man, Richard Lees.

Some of our projects over the years.

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The Making of a Parade Banner.

Posted on April 6, 2014 | 4 comments

Having been lucky enough to have found Luton Irish Forum as a venue for our local calligraphy group, I was really happy to be asked to get involved with the St Patrick’s weekend celebrations. LIF commissioned local group, Olympian Productions to stage a Father Ted Pageant entitled Craggy Island Local Priest Awards. A banner was required for the parade and as a backdrop for the stage.

My first thought was to materials, etc. The previous St Patrick’s weekend was a rather wet and windy affair so I needed everything to be weatherproof. Jackie at Jewels came up with some yellow polypropylene curtain blind material about 5 x 4 feet that looked as if it might be tough enough and would take permanent marker and acrylic paints .

To show how I go about this type of project it seemed a good idea to do most of the planning and marking out during group evenings at LIF. The first job was to rough out the actual text in Uncials on wallpaper with double markers to ascertain letter-size, then after marking in the x heights in pencil, a deep breath, and straight in with the double markers.

Then, at home, some Gold, Green, and white added.

Detail.

Next, A couple of 7 foot dowels were wrapped and glued in place.

A few judiciously placed holes to aid pulling through the air and the banner was ready for use. It came through the parade unscathed and was placed on the stage as a backdrop to a hilarious performance by Mrs Doyle, Fathers Ted, Jack, Dougal, various other priests and the Bishop.

The production was well received by a huge crowd and earned an award for the best group effort.

I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the project and for being able to join in with so many other events over the weekend. The countdown has begun for next year. Gill and I are hoping the committee might ask us to contribute something.

Loads more pictures of the weekend’s activities

Keep watching this space.

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Posted in CALLIGRAPHY,CALLIGRAFFITI,LETTERING,HOW TO

Tagged Banner making, calligraphy, lettering, Luton Irish Forum, St Patrick's Day, uncial

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Luton Irish Forum Calligraphy Group.

Posted on October 4, 2013

This gallery contains 1 photos.

Since completing the series of Workshops at Luton Museum, I have had numerous enquiries about when, or if, they might be repeated. Or, perhaps, if there might be evening sessions somewhere. I have floated a few ideas with Luton Culture and … Continue reading →

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