SPRING//SUMMER 2018 29 28 SPRING//SUMMER 2018 Modern Calligraphy Hand-lettering debutante HENRI DAVIS finds out why everyone’s loopy about modern calligraphy CALLIGRAPHY is defined on Wikipedia as a visual art related to writing; the design and execution of lettering with a broad-tipped instrument, brush or other item of writing equipment. Traditionally calligraphy and hand lettering were used to create special records of events political, personal, national and international, starting back when monks were the only people who could write, and who created beautiful hand-lettered manuscripts. So what do we mean by modern calligraphy. To seek an explanation I contacted an expert in such matters, Lucy Edmonds, founder of Quill, a stationery boutique in Islington which offers courses in modern calligraphy. Lucy defines modern calligraphy as “a style of pointed pen calligraphy based loosely on the copperplate style. Although it is sometimes condemned as merely ‘fancy handwriting’, and admittedly modern calligraphy is less demanding in its approach than the rigorous traditional scripts of the Middle Ages, it has become an analogue outlet for those who wish to shut down their computers, switch off their phones and relax by putting pen to paper.” Lucy continues: “Perhaps this is why it has become so wildly popular. It’s accessible, anyone can do it, and you can create your own lettering style from it. Just like copperplate, which has a set of rules that make it recognisable, modern calligraphy has its own set of characteristics that make it so.”  Modern calligraphy and hand lettering are now so popular you can’t enter a stationery store, fashion outlet, restaurant, pub or wedding reception without seeing its elegant loops adorning paper, textile and slate. I have commented in previous issues of Stationery Matters on the links between greetings cards and stationery trends, and this is particularly relevant with hand lettering. For the past few years there has been a significant number of card ranges featuring calligraphy and hand lettering, in which the card features hand-lettered messages rather than images. I remember when I was taught at school to write with a broad nib pen on specially ruled paper, practising my up, down and sweeping strokes to achieve the required varying thick and thin lines. Nowadays I believe very few children will be taught to use a fountain pen at school, so what is encouraging people to learn modern calligraphy? Lucy at Quill pointed out to me that “there is also a meditative element to calligraphy, which shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s a beautiful thing to be so absorbed in something that you forget about notifications or answering messages, which is really significant in our increasingly digital age. In reality, not everyone has the time to put real long-term commitment towards learning one of the more formal scripts, but the modern way is slightly more forgiving. While it is still a skill that has to be practised, people can pick it up and put it down and fit it in when life allows.” So maybe for some, modern calligraphy is taking over where colouring left off? There are fibre-tip versions from brands like Berol, or metal-nibbed pens from Sheaffer, Lamy and specialist brands like Manuscript. You can find these products in larger WHSmiths and Rymans, in art shops and stationers. Hobbycraft in particular offers a great range of pens and papers, as do specialists like Quill in London. This is a situation where the internet is a godsend, because even if many retailers don’t support this product they are readily available online. Social media and blogging have played a massive role in spreading the word about the equipment you need, techniques, and to reassure you that while it is not easy, patience and practice will pay off. They show how it can become an enjoyable pastime and, for some, even a business. I was amazed to watch a modern calligraphy tutorial online, which was well-paced and made it seem very achievable. I can see how people get hooked! The Manuscript Pen Company has manufactured calligraphy and writing instruments since 1856. A family-run business now in its fifth generation, and the market leading supplier of calligraphy writing instruments worldwide, it drives innovation in the industry whilst ensuring it continues to produce high-quality writing instruments at competitive prices. In August 2017 Manuscript celebrated World Calligraphy Day at The Pen Museum in Birmingham, reaching more than 152,000 people around the world, and it will celebrate again on Wednesday 15 August 2018. Because modern calligraphy continues to stay in vogue, Manuscript launched its Callicreative Switch Tips – a complete set with brush tip, a fineliner and two italic nibs that can be used in one pen. It’s also added an Oblique Calligraphy set and a more comprehensive Modern Calligraphy set to its Modern Calligraphy collection. These are ideal for experts and beginners alike, and a new pack of Duotip Brush Markers in 10 great modern calligraphy colours completes the set. Once I knew I was going to be writing this piece I became more aware of calligraphy products being offered to retailers, and I was amazed to see that Rex International, a major supplier into the gift market, has introduced a Modern Calligraphy Beginners Set at WHILE IT IS STILL A SKILLTHAT HAS TO BE PRACTISED, PEOPLE CAN PICK IT UP AND PUT IT DOWN AND FIT IT IN WHEN LIFE ALLOWS. £9.95 as part of its 2018 range, which shows just how popular modern calligraphy is becoming. As a member of the Stationers’ Company I recently received an invitation to a course in modern calligraphy. Suddenly modern calligraphy and lettering are being talked about all around me! Quill Graphique Quill Manuscript Manuscript Rex International