“Italic Variations” and “Victorian Lettering & Decoration” with Lyndall

Cost: Half day members/non members $20/$25, full day $40/$50

Morning Session:

Italic Variations – Following on from Ailsa’s introduction to Italics in September 2025 and Lyndall’s continuation in October, it was decided that we should continue to challenge ourselves with the variations from the second workshop. In this session we will try our hand at some classic Italic variations as well as some less traditional ones. To prepare for the afternoon session you may like to write a short word or words in readiness for the Victorian decoration.  Suitable for beginners and old hands.

Materials: The materials in bold are required, the unbolded are optional.

• 3.8mm parallel pen and ink cartridges or ink to dip
• practise paper, non bleeding layout paper, A3 if possible
• slope board for writing if you have one
• ruler, pencil
• other sized calligraphy pens (larger or smaller sizes, different eg ruling pen, split nib, folded pen, coit etc) if you have them
• colour (gouache or ink)
• small good quality pointed brushes and some mixing brushes
• small pieces of better quality papers, smooth or textured to try

Lyndall will bring a variety of tools for you to try if you don’t have your own.

Afternoon Session:

This workshop has been inspired by a workshop taught by Helen Warren (an accomplished signwriter, calligrapher and teacher here and in the UK) many years ago.

Although we will be looking at lettering and design from the Victorian era, we will also look at ways that this style can be incorporated into contemporary calligraphy.

This was originally taught as a full day workshop so this afternoon session will be a short intro to the subject.

Materials:

• gouache – approx 3 favourite colours
• black gouache
• white gouache / bleed proof white
• gold gouache or similar
• black fine liner
• small good quality brush/es and mixing brushes
• pointed nib
• small palette
• water jar