How Can I Learn Copperplate Calligraphy?

I was recently emailed by a lady asking how she could start learning calligraphy, from the details of her message it looked to me that the style perfect for her lettering was Copperplate which is the more formal style of calligraphy compared to modern calligraphy.

I adore Copperplate calligraphy - the rules, the nibs, the question of the straight or oblique penholder! In 2020 I made it my mission to really explore this style of calligraphy and learn as much as I could.

My favourite places to learn Copperplate calligraphy

So in response to the aforementioned email here is a list of what I believe to be the best places to start if you are interested in learning Copperplate calligraphy:-

Firstly buy and read this book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastering-Copperplate-Calligraphy-Lettering-Typography/dp/0486409511 

Every calligrapher worth their salt have read this book at some point in their journey and it will give you the knowledge behind Copperplate that you need (don’t worry about writing out guidelines just trace over the ones at the back of the book)

Secondly, buy this book http://www.sarahscript.com/copperplate-calligraphy-from-a-to-z This is a recent book that I think is really brilliant.

Okay once you have a little understanding behind Copperplate start looking at learning with a Copperplate calligrapher, here are a few that I recommend:-

https://www.instagram.com/cecilia.boschi/?hl=en - has taught me online and she is brilliant and easy to understand and follow.

https://www.logoscalligraphy.com/copperplatefoundations - think this one might be on a waiting list at the moment so keep an eye on this one for when workshops are open.

https://www.pointedpencollective.com/learn - keep an eye on these guys as they always have workshops popping up.

https://www.bombaylettering.com/workshops - hosts workshops from others so keep an eye on this or you can book her for 1-2-1 workshops.

http://www.sarahscript.com/book-an-online-lesson - author of one of the books above, I didn’t realise she did 1-2-1 workshops I think $40 is pretty good

Free Copperplate calligraphy resources

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC41a3UN14hTInfu73fCO9ZA - Paul Antonio is thee penman in the UK he is passionate about Copperplate and has lots of great videos here. What he says you want to listen to. You can also buy his book here .

http://www.zanerian.com/VitoloBookHandoutComplete3.pdf Dr Joe Vitolo is a leading expert in Copperplate calligraphy

https://www.instagram.com/anintran/ Each Wednesday Nina Tran hosts a Live going through various calligraphy styles I believe she has also hosted a Copperplate workshop online

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/copperplatewithbernice/ Bernice is phenomenal and has also broken down some Copperplate techniques

Finally, there is an amazing Podcast that I listen to that is so helpful https://thecalligraphypodcast.libsyn.com/ 

I hope this helps, if you have any questions please do give me a shout :)