ÖйúPÕ¾

Course intent

This inspiring workshop will introduce you to the beautifully decorated manuscripts of the Middle Ages and specifically to the highly decorated capitals that introduced chapters or gospel books. Create your own, unique capital with colour and touches of gold that can be used as a gift or to keep and learn the skills needed to continue with further letters at home.

What will I learn?

We will start by creating the outline shape of our capital then tracing it down onto good paper and outlining it. In rough, we will design the decoration - foliage or floral and the colours that we will use then apply this to our design to paint and finish off.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

All Abilities. This course works at fairly small scale but is suitable for all levels of skill as dexterity improves with practice.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You will need to bring:

• 2 pencils, one hard (H2 or harder) and one softer (HB)
• a ruler
• eraser
• pencil sharpener
• kitchen towel
• a fine paintbrush
• a waterproof fine liner in sepia or black (0.2 or finer)
• tracing or layout paper (A4)
• coloured pencils or watercolour pencils for planning in rough
• either watercolour or gouache paints if you have them already.

Your tutor will supply watercolour hot pressed paper for your design, paint - Designers gouache and gold paint.

What can I do when I finish the course?

You can join a longer course of calligraphy or attend other workshops covering different aspects of the subject. Your tutor can advise you about further courses of study at the right level for you and of local calligraphy groups to join.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

We value and support equality, diversity and inclusion by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

Find another course

If this isn't what you're looking for, then we've got plenty more courses to offer!