These items are all you need to get started and suitable for ALL courses offered by Gaynor Goffe (except the Copperplate course). These calligraphy sets are compiled from items that can be purchased individually and do NOT come in any type of presentation packaging.

1 x 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 William Mitchell Nibs (6 in total)

3 x No.2 Slippon Reservoir

2 x School Penholder

1 x Pelikan 4001- Brilliant Black

1 x Goldline Layout Pad (A3 size)

1 x Nylon Brush: size 2

1 x 10 Well Plastic Palette

1 x Sharplett 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil

1 x 12" Shatter Resistant Ruler

This script provides an excellent basis for learning calligraphy. Being based on the circle and vertical straight line, it provides a clear concept and a good lettering discipline and is an important script in the calligrapher's basic repertoire. This course covers basic monoline letterforms in pencil, weighted forms with the edged-pen, letter-spacing and writing texts in different nib sizes.

Level: beginner to intermediate.

Foundational Hand example

After 1600 demand increased for speedy writing for commercial purposes. A running cursive derived from Italic was developed, referred to as 'roundhand'. The development of running cursive into Copperplate was brought about through the influence of many penmen. The engraver's tool could better reproduce writing made with a pointed rather than an edged pen. From this engraving method the 'roundhand' became termed 'copperplate'.

The Copperplate Minuscules course will teach you how to write the lower-case (minuscule) letters.

You will start with learning the letterforms and pressure and release technique in pencil, followed by 3 lessons using the pen. With the pen you start with the basic letter strokes learning how to control the pointed nib. You will then combine these strokes to build up the letters of the alphabet. The letters of the alphabet are studied in groups based upon their characteristics.

Copperplate Minuscules example

Roman Capitals provide an excellent basis for an appreciation of related letterform. Pen-made Roman Capitals are required to accompany Foundational Hand, but can also be used alone for texts.

This course covers basic monoline letterforms in pencil, weighted forms with the edged-pen, letter spacing and writing texts in different nib sizes.

Level: beginner to intermediate.

Roman Capitals example

Italics are one of the most versatile scripts in the contemporary calligrapher's repertoire. Its flowing quality encourages the development of rhythm in writing - an essential of good calligraphy.

This basic course provides a thorough grounding in italic letterforms, including monoline lettering, weighted forms with the edged-pen, letter spacing and writing of short texts in different nib sizes.

Level: beginner to intermediate.

Italics example

Italic Capitals are one of the four essential alphabets in the calligrapher's basic repertoire, the others being Foundational Hand, Italic and Roman Capitals. Italic Capitals can be used in conjunction with Italic minuscules, or on their own for texts.

This course covers basic monoline letterforms in pencil, weighted forms with the edged-pen, letter spacing and writing out text in different nib sizes.

Level: beginner to intermediate.

Italic Capitals example

These built-up, multi-stroke letters developed during the 9th century Carolingian Renaissance and have many uses in contemporary calligraphy.

This course gives detailed explanation of the formation of each versal letter, letter spacing and their use at different sizes and weights in short texts.

Level: beginner to advanced.

Versals example

This comprehensive course starts with a basic sharpened italic, explaining letterforms, letter-spacing and writing short texts in different nib sizes. The sharpened italic is then developed beyond basics in a wide range of variations.

This course has a wealth of diagrams, and encourages experiment and the development of writing rhythm.

Level: intermediate to advanced.

Sharpened Italics example

This comprehensive course starts with a basic joined cursive italic, covering letter joins, letter spacing and writing short texts in different nib sizes. The joined cursive italic is then developed beyond basics in a wide range of variations.

This course has a wealth of diagrams, and encourages experiment and the development of writing rhythm.

Level: intermediate to advanced.

Joined Cursive Italic example

This comprehensive course explains and explores the design and use of flourishes to enhance both italic minuscule and italic capitals.

This course has a wealth of diagrams, and enables you to use flourishes with understanding and competence.

Level: intermediate to advanced.

Flourish Design example

This capital letterform developed during the early Middle Ages, and the script still has widespread applications for the contemporary calligrapher.

This course starts with a simple angled-pen uncial based on the 8th century Stonyhurst Gospel script, and progresses to a wide variety of contemporary variations. All examples are illustrated with short texts and this course has a wealth of diagrams.

Level: beginner to advanced.

Uncial example