Online – 8 Sessions – Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2023, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., US Eastern time.

Starting with detailed instruction and hands-on exercises to learn about the broad-edged pen, based on Edward Johnston’s “Seven Constant Features,” we will begin our deep-dive into the Italic hand. We’ll use the double-pencil technique and skeletal letter shapes to really analyze how the broad-edged pen works and how letters are shaped. The knowledge gained in these early weeks of the workshop is applicable to any of the broad-edged pen letter families (Italic, Uncial, Carolingian, Gothic and Foundational). We’ll then begin our concentrated study of the Italic hand. We will delve into the details and delicacies of Italic, where we’ll work with a variety of nib and lettering sizes with the goal of becoming proficient in this versatile hand. Originating in 15th-century Italy (hence “Italic”), we’ll look at historic examples as well as contemporary sources to fine-tune this beautiful lettering style. Whether new to calligraphy or possessing some experience, this is a worthwhile workshop for anyone wanting to improve their broad-edged lettering skills, and in particular, their Italic hand. 

After you register, you will receive a separate email with log-in information for the online sessions.

The Abbey Studio is offering a 12-month Calligraphy Certificate Program, beginning with this course in Italic lettering. All of our workshops are stand-alone learning experiences and can be enjoyed on an individual basis. But put them all together and our workshop offerings essentially constitute a year’s course in calligraphy and hand lettering. Beginning with the sessions concentrating on the broad-edged pen and Italic lettering, Copperplate Script, and Uncial, we’ll gradually work into the very important step of beginning your calligraphic piece with pencil and working toward an effective layout. We’ll then begin concentrating on the various forms of decorated letters and how to create and execute everything from a drawn Roman capital to a large Lombardic decorative capital, enhanced with raised gold leaf. The final workshop will pull together all the skills that have been acquired during the preceding 11 months. Anyone completing all the workshops will receive a Certificate of Completion. Click here for more information. To facilitate this new program, we’re offering a 20% discount on the total tuition. Participants registering for our stand-alone workshops also receive discounts when registering for multiple workshops.

Study more, save more! Our workshops have been designed to complement each other and build upon your skillsets. Register for TWO workshops at the same time and receive 10% off both — use Coupon Code 2Classes10 in the shopping cart (click where it says “Have a coupon?” near the top of the cart). Register for THREE or more workshops at the same time and receive 20% off all of them! Use Coupon Code 3Classes20 in the shopping cart (click where it says “Have a coupon?” near the top of the cart).

Supplies (supplies not included): View the supplies list or purchase as a kit, here.

Workshop Withdrawal Policy: Unless you are paying for your class with a gift card, a refund (tuition less 20%) will be issued if you withdraw from class two weeks or more prior to the beginning of class. If withdrawal occurs less than two weeks before class, no cash refund will be issued, but a studio credit voucher will be provided. Occasionally there is insufficient registration for a class to run. In such cases, registrants will be given three options:  (1) Private or semi-private lessons (with price adjustment), (2) placement for the same class held in the future at a different date and time, or (3) refund.