Calligraphy Masters exhibit in London
On April 18th 2024 I was fortunate enough to visit the free CLAS ‘Living Letters’ exhibition at the Salvation Army HQ in London. It was an opportunity to admire the incredible talent of dedicated CLAS calligraphers. I created a reel of some of the stunning work on my Instagram page @bumblebeecalligraphy1. Some notable names that featured were Tim Noads (who designed the King’s cypher which will adorn future postboxes and correspondence from the King as well as the Coronation regalia); Mary Noble, Josie Brown and Gwynth Hibbett, whose work I admired since I discovered CLAS in 2022. There were also stunning submissions from less familiar names who made use of stamping, gold ink, paint, gilding among other crafts, with an expert hand.
The volunteer-led exhibition showcased what is possible with calligraphy and filled me with inspiration. Hopefully, the photos I took will do the same for you!
Love this burst of colour with a 70s vibe. The contrast of the pinks and browns against the teal blue really brought the words to life. I love how the words appear to ‘bloom’ from the colours behind and stand almost upright with straighter lines than that compliment the curves of the shapes behind.
The use of earth greens and browns is gorgeous here. Initially, I was drawn to the letters wrapped around the square. Those effortless-looking brush strokes make me want to have a go a broad brush lettering! One day… I adore the way you’re called to look closer at the lettering in the square and the use of capital, almost Roman-esque letters compliments the more gently curving ones around the outside. I was drawn to the way the artist criss-crossed the text with different sized lettering in the bottom right section.
A different spiral here. One that uses a Celtic knot to tangle you in a captivating game of rock, paper, scissors. I love the playful use of a child’s game captured in an ancient art form with celestial decorations. It reminds me of looking at intricate stained glass church windows that you could stare at for a long time and continue to find things that capture your curiosity.
A beautiful font captured with a broad-edged brush that reminds me. The effortless brushstrokes look like they’re fading into background to reveal the letters in front. Lovely.
Another skill I’d like to develop one day: writing in a spiral! Thsi one feels like you’re falling into a pool of letters that start close, tall and thin before slowing to more stretched-out, smooth curves and disappearing into a funnel of quick, sharp capitals. The central letters look like they’ve been created using masking fluid. Something I have experience of and is great if you want to create colourful washed backgrounds. I have made a few birthday cards this way.
Below are some of the other works that grabbed my attention for their composition, use of colour, skill (particulary in writing around in a curve!) or use of gold ink (my favourite) on textured paper.
