Calligraphy Next Steps - Uncial and Gothic-Ravenshead Library- Adult Learning

Ravenshead Library, Nottingham

Key details

Date -
Sessions Tuesdays: 10am - 12pm
No. sessions 4
Venue Ravenshead Library, Nottingham
For ages 19+
Group size 5 - 12
Cost FREE - £24

About this course

This course is for those learners who have completed the Inspire Calligraphy for Beginners Course. 


To build on skills gained in Calligraphy for Beginners and apply these to learn two new hands: Uncial and Gothic. 


This course is for learners wishing to improve and develop their calligraphy skills. Having learnt the basics of Foundational hand, this course will focus on the more rounded 'hand' of Uncial and the more angular Gothic script. 


This course is not suitable for beginners. 


During the course, you will learn how to: 

  • To hold the pen correctly using the nib at different angles 
  • Form the Gothic Script. 
  • Form the 26 letters of the Uncial hand and alternatives. 
  • Harmonising script (e.g. how it looks on the page and the spacing).

What will learners achieve by the end of the course? 


  • Learners will build on and enhance their knowledge and skills noting differences and similarities between the two hands (Foundational and Uncial). Two new scripts to use for cards, projects, journaling, etc. 

Resources required by attendees


  • Calligraphy – Materials Needed (approx. budget £20) 
  • Pencil and eraser 
  • 30cm (12 inch) ruler 
  • Protractor and set square pack  
  • Clear Plastic Wallet (A4) to keep your work in 
  • Paperclips/bulldog clip or a clipboard 
  • STAEDTLER 3002 C5 Calligraphy Markers - Assorted Colours (Pack of 5) – Available to buy on Amazon or direct from the Mansfield Library Shop. 
  • Or equivalent calligraphy pen. Please note that pen nibs must be 2mm and 3.5mm as the course handouts and layout sheets are all drawn up in these sizes. 
  • Clairefontaine Goldline Layout Pad, A4, 50 gsm, 80 Sheets – or equivalent. The layout paper needs to be 50gsm so that the lined exercise sheets can be seen through it. Buy on line via Amazon or direct from the Mansfield Library Shop.

Suggested Reading for the course  Title:  

  • Calligraphy in 24 one-hour lessons Author:  Kespersaks, Veiko. 745.61 
  • Start calligraphy : all the techniques and tips you need to get you started Author:  Sullivan, Maureen. 

Booking your place and fee information

If you are in receipt of certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course  please visit our webpage for further information  https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/funding-your-courses/ 


To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

  • Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING.
  • Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking.  If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.


To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.


Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required).

As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas:

  • Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
  • Greater London
  • Greater Manchester
  • Liverpool City Region
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
  • Tees Valley
  • West of England
  • West Midlands
  • West Yorkshire

Any questions?

Check the FAQs page, or get in touch:

Book online with Eventbrite

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