Key Facts

  • Starting
    14 Jan 2026
    Location
    Tooting
    Start Time
    18:30
    End Time
    21:00
    Duration
    9 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Evening
    Days
    Wednesday
    Start Date
    14 Jan 2026
    Level
    Entry Level
    Code
    TABX242TL

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    £ 112.50

    Enrol

Calligraphy

Calligraphy

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This course will teach you the basic pen and brush skills you need to create beautiful calligraphy. You will learn what tools and materials to use to create different effects including italic and foundational.

You will learn about the historical context of different styles, using these to develop your own personal style and build up a portfolio of work.

The course will introduce Western calligraphy, provide technical instruction in the use and handling of calligraphic pens or brushes in drawing calligraphic alphabets, and provide practical suggestions in using alphabets for personal projects.

The course is designed to develop your creativity and give you the skills and ideas to complete your own projects independently.

  • Entry Requirements


    There are no entry requirements for this course. It is suitable for the complete beginner or those who wish to refresh their calligraphy skills.

  • Course Content


    The course is designed to develop your creativity and give you the skills and ideas to complete your own projects independently. By the end of the course you'll be able to:

    Use pens and brushes to create a variety of different effects. Understand the principles of design for invitations, poetry, prose, greeting cards and decorative plaques. Demonstrate proficiency in using different calligraphy tools, including pens, brushes, and nibs to create a variety of strokes, textures, and visual effects by the end of the course. Apply principles of design and layout to produce visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing pieces suitable for invitations, *Complete a final project that showcases a combination of techniques, design principles, and personal style learned throughout the course.

    You will receive step-by-step instructions with expert demonstrations, exploring a variety of writing instruments to develop your skills, including pencil, broad-edge and pointed nib pens.

    You will learn about the historical context of different styles, using these to develop your own personal style and build up a portfolio of work.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Continue to develop skills by enrolling for the next term or attend one of our start a small business courses, in order to sell your creations.

  • Additional Information


    This course is held at our Tooting site every Wednesday from 18:30 to 21:00 in Room 223.

    If you are on a low wage, unemployed or claiming benefits then you may qualify for a reduction.

    Teacher's Profile: Ivo Grantins is a London based calligrapher. He has a diploma in Calligraphy with Design studies (2013) from Sunderland University. He had been teaching calligraphy since 2012 and since 2014 at South Thames college. He has studied with internationally acclaimed calligraphers both in Britain and abroad.

    He has extensive professional experience from working at two of London's most busy calligraphy studios and since 2015 freelancing. He has worked as a calligrapher in the film industry since 2014 (BBC and HBO among others) both on set and as a prop maker.

  • Course Structure


    The course runs over nine sessions per term, combining tutor-led demonstrations with plenty of hands-on practice. Each session focuses on building your confidence and developing your techniques as you work on individual and group projects. Each session will include:

    Presentation and discussion of traditional and contemporary examples of calligraphy Demonstration of different aspects of calligraphy and step-by-step instructions on how to practice Detailed and constructive feedback Peer feedback and review

  • Assessment Details


    On going in class. There will be some brushwork exercises for you to do as homework to improve your technique.

  • Teaching and Learning


    You will receive step-by-step instructions with expert demonstrations, exploring a variety of writing instruments to develop your skills, including pencil, broad-edge and pointed nib pens.