Getting Started in Calligraphy




				Materials \| Supplies \| Letterforms \| Classes / Workshops \| Publications \| Exhibitions \| Books \| Links \| Article on Calligraphy by John Stevens \| Video
			Question: Where do I start if I want to learn Calligraphy? What books would you recommend to a beginner? Also, do you use dip pens, or pens with cartridges, or both? A. My first recommendation would be that you find a calligraphy society in your area and scout out a good teacher. I think John Neal Books can be of some help here. If not possible or you want to get started right now, I've made some recommendations about books and materials . Materials: Dip pens or fountain pens? Fountain pens are used for writing correspondence and practice and sometimes a teaching device. The inks in cartridges are not permanent for serious work meant to last and the nibs (tips) usually need to be worked a little bit (sharpened & polished). if sufficient interest comes of this I will explain in more detail. Fountain pens are sometimes used for convenience by scribes who address a lot of envelopes. In the hands of experienced scribes, fountain pens can yield beautiful results. However to gain the most control and understanding of writing with a broad edged pen, one needs to learn to handle a dip pen. Metal nibs by Mitchell or Brause are the most commonly used. Others include: Speedball, Automatic, Coit. Of course we need to mention the reed and quill. Quills are cut from feathers, and reed or bamboo pens are cut from these 2 materials. Info on reeds and quills will be featured in another article. One can fill the dip pen by actually dipping or feeding the reservoir with a brush. Inks / Pigments Higgens Eternal, Pelikan 4001, are good bets for beginners. Paper Bond paper that is fairly smooth and doesn't bleed are good for practice. Nekoosa Bond, Mohawk superfine can be gotten from printers and/ or their paper suppliers. Higher quality ( and more expensive) papers are used for finished work. There is a vast array of writing surfaces including handmade paper and vellum (skin). New York Central is a great source as is John Neal. Twinrocker is a hand made paper mill and can be reached from our links page. All of these materials can be ordered from John Neal Books & Paper & Ink Books Here are 2 free calligraphy exemplars: Italic lowercase (minuscules) Italic Capitals Letterforms or Alphabets is a vast subject, which is why I have recommended books. However, most people start with either italic ( chancery cursive) or some variation of Roman book hand ( foundational, book hand, humanist, etc.) I would steer a student away from learning Blackletter (Olde English) as their first foray into the subject. Workshops and Learning opportunities It is advisable that you take advantage of the many opportunities to learn. You can start by checking to see if there is a calligraphy society in your area. They usually hold workshops on a regular basis. There is also the annual conferences. There are 2 this year, (1999) and One in SanFrancisco 2000 “Experiment”. There are also several held in Europe. Cheerio A week- long workshop / retreat. A relaxing environment, yet intensive study. Graphò* Calligraphy correspondence courses with Thomas Ingmire & Monica Dengo Calligraphy Centre occasionally has workshops for beginners Societies / Publications Letter Arts Review Scripsit (The Washington Calligraphy Guild Journal) publishes a Journal several times a year. Shown are Volune 21 #1 Summer 1998 about John Stevens 6 month class ( edit. Rose Folsom) The other one is Winter 1999 Vol 21#2 edited by Michael Clark. This issue features work from a variety of scribes and their specialties. John Stevens' is an article about the Brush.

			Exhibitions Are of two types: One person or a group of people are having one for a limited time or there are places to see original calligraphy on a ongoing basis: The British Museum, the V&A (London), The Klingspor (Germany) The Pierpont Morgan Library & New York Public Library (NY), The San Francisco Public Library, The Getty (Los Angeles) The Cary Library (RIT, Buffalo,NY), The Newberry Library (Chicago) Books Recommended books for beginners or people wanting to get back into calligraphy. You can get these at John Neal as well as supplies. http://www.johnnealbooks.com/ Paper,Ink & Books Foundations of Calligraphy By Sheila Waters. 2006. 126pp. 9"x11.25". Concealed spiral binding. Now in its second printing. Hardcover. JohnNeal Books In the 110 pages of exemplar alphabets, instruction, and hints, Sheila shares with you the knowledge she has gathered over her decades of study and practice. She provides insightful analysis of forms and constructions and helps you learn and work toward mastery of the alphabets. The presentation is honed by her vast experience teaching calligraphers how to advance their skills and art. Sheila Waters is not only a master scribe, but a master teacher. She has made both her life's work. -------------- Pen Lettering Ann Camp Our Price: $5.95 In-Stock: Ships within 24 hours Format: Paperback, 69pp. ISBN: 0800862724 Publisher: Taplinger Publishing Company, Incorporated Pub. Date: March 1979 ------------------------ Calligraphy School Gaynor Goffe Anna Ravenscroft Hardcover, 176pp. ISBN: 0895775247 ------------------------------- The Anatomy of Letters: A Guide to the Art of Calligraphy Charles Pearce ISBN: 0800801997 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Step-by-Step Calligraphy: A Complete Guide with Creative Projects Susan Hufton ISBN: 0806939877 ---------------------- Writing and Illuminating and Lettering (This is in depth and considered the "Bible" by a scribe who is responsible for the calligraphy revival.) Edward Johnston ISBN: 0486285340 ------------------------- Books of examples and more advanced or specialized but nevertheless- highly recommended Belle Lettre Award 1997 Carlo Buffa• Edizioni Entrooffset ( Available from John Neal & Paper & Ink Books) ISBN: 88-90022906 A wonder book & collection of work from an exhibit held in Italy ------------------------------------------------------ The Fine Art of Letters 2000 The Work of Hermann Zapf ISBN: 0-910672-35-0 Catalogue of an exhibit at the Grolier Club by one of the great masters of all time. ------------------------------------ Historical Scripts-Stan Knight Oak Knoll Press 1998 ISBN: 1-884718-56-6 A must-have for anyone interested in learning more about writing (calligraphic styles) throughout history. The historic approach is the one laid down by Edward Johnston, and still offers great inspiration and insight into calligraphy and western writing. Of course one should also see manuscripts themselves, but good photos are very important, and this book has a bunch. ---------------------------------------- The Calligraphers Handbook Taplinger? ISBN 0-8008-1198-4 A collection of articles written by many top calligrapers on methods and practice. ------------------------------------------------------ Calligraphy: The Art of Written Forms Donald M. Anderson ISBN: 0486272125 ----------------------- Contemporary Calligraphy: Modern Scribes and Lettering Artists II David Godine ISBN: 0879238771 ------------------------------ Lettering as Drawing Nicolete Gray ISBN: 0800847296 -------------------------------------- Handbook of Type and Lettering Hildegard Korger ISBN: 0830618341 ---------------------- Return to Calligraphy Centre Explore the Calligraphy Centre for Examples of Calligraphy and Lettering art or classes, week-long retreats. CHEERIO Go to the John Stevens Design website to see a gallery of John's calligraphy for both fine art and graphic works. Did I forget something? Please let us know by email ©Calligraphy Centre December 2000- Last Update June 16, 2008