Calligraphy for Beginners – Uncial Script

The Course

Uncial scripts were written from the 4th to the 8th century and even into the 12th century. There are many delightful examples and versions, and the Lindisfarne Gospels and the St Chad’s Gospels are among them. We will analyse and modernise them for today.

During the day we will study the basic shapes and rules of the letterform to understand the formation of the various Uncial and Celtic scripts. Then, by applying alternative heights, weights and widths to the letters and using different pen nib sizes we will modernise them for the 21st century and produce a piece of well written text. We may italicise them by making them slope and become more cursive and fluid. Finally they can be enhanced further by adding colour or using a coloured background.

The Tutor

Jan Mehigan has been teaching calligraphy for more than 30 years, mostly in adult education. She has written several books on calligraphy, many with her colleague and friend, Mary Noble, and has contributed calligraphic work and articles to many other books and magazines.

Jan is a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SSI) and an Honoured Fellow and past chairman of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society (CLAS). She works to commission, for Local Authorities (freedom scrolls on vellum and paper) and also for private individuals and companies, producing cards, poetry with illustration and small miniatures. Jan has shown her work in many exhibitions and has demonstrated at Art in Action and the SSA.

Participant Information

The tutor will supply:

• a pen holder
• two different sizes of nib
• a small supply of black ink
• some layout paper for practice
• a sheet of cartridge paper for the finished piece
• use of a board for writing on

Students should bring with them:

• a mini jam jar (around 30ml size) with a screw-top lid
• kitchen towel for spills
• an HB pencil, sharpener and eraser
• 3M tape or low tack masking tape
• a ruler or T square for drawing lines
• scissors
• one or two gouache colours or watercolour paints and a couple of brushes
• two water pots or yogurt pots and paintbrush for mixing

Please advise the Museum when booking whether you are left- or right-handed

Fee & Refreshments

£65 per person, this includes tuition, tea and coffee. Please let the Museum know in advance any special dietary requirements. You can bring your own packed lunch or the café will be open at lunchtime.