Hands on Traditional skills and where to learn them

Calligraphy

What is it?Calligraphy is the art of decorative writing. It is used both commercially and artistically in the creation of presentation scrolls, wedding stationary, certificates, handmade books and other personalised pieces of work. Calligraphers draw on a huge range of ancient and modern alphabets. These include roman, uncial, insular, Carolingian, Gothic, italic and copperplate. Calligraphers also improvise and use hybrid scripts.

How it is done?Calligraphers usually work on a sloped surface using a chisel-edged nib or, for certain alphabet styles, such as copperplate, a flexible pointed nib. Contemporary calligraphers often use other writing tools, such as home-made pens, reed pens and brushes. The Irish calligrapher Denis Brown writes on glass with a dentist's drill. Ink, gouache or watercolours are used on a variety of fine papers, vellum or other materials. These are sometimes prepared with watercolour washes, layers of colour, dyes or pastels.

How long does it take?It depends entirely on the style of work and pace of the calligrapher. Beginners start with a basic script traceable back to the ninth-century Carolingian period and use roman capitals. "The family characteristics of an alphabet have to be mastered, paying attention to the weight and slant of the letters, the pen angle and other distinguishing features," says Kevin Honan, an Irish calligrapher who also makes books. "An artistic sensibility combined with a sense of form and design and a fascination with the tradition itself is what makes a good calligrapher. The expressive potential of writing to amplify a text is what attracts people to calligraphy."

Where do I sign up?Peannairí (calligraphy.ie), a society of Irish calligraphers, holds classes, workshops and demonstrations throughout the year. It also has open meetings on the last Thursday of each month from September to June. The next meeting is on June 30th, at 7.30pm, at Oatlands College in Mount Merrion, Co Dublin; new members are always welcome. Peannairí also works with schools and colleges.

Write Now, an exhibition of contemporary Irish and international calligraphy, is at the Wood Quay Venue, at Dublin Civic Offices (entry from Fishamble Street), from next Tuesday until Wednesday, June 15th (10am-5pm Monday- Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday and 10am-2pm Sunday); info@calligraphy.ie.