So far, all the Copperplate minuscules we have studied were based on a combination of the 8 basic strokes although in most cases these strokes had to be modified. There are only seven letters left to study, but these are different and the basic strokes are not used much. Letter: f The letter f starts with …
Before continuing with the Copperplate Minuscules you need to know how to produce a filled-in dot. This filled-in dot or loop shape appears in several letters. The nib is moved in an anti-clockwise direction. As it approaches the top and starts to move down the paper, pressure is applied to complete it. Letter: b …
The majority of Copperplate minuscules are constructed from a combination of one or more basic strokes. After studying and practising the eight basic strokes, we are ready to start learning the letters. Many of the letters require the basic strokes to be slightly modified, which in most cases means producing only part of the basic …
When writing Copperplate, there is a lot to think about! Copperplate requires the additional skill of applying and releasing pressure on the nib whilst producing the correct shapes and proportions. Applying pressure on the nib When producing the basic full pressure stroke, pressure is applied before starting the stroke and not released until the line …
Letter Proportion The proportions of the minuscule letters and the angle of slope are the two essential visual components of Copperplate minuscule. Copperplate has a standard relationship between the ascender, x-height and descender parts of the minuscule letters. In general the relationship is expressed as 3:2:3 (ascender = 3, x-height = 2, descender = 3). …
Unlike broad-edged calligraphy, the x-height is not measured in terms of nib widths. Typical x-heights are 4, 5 or 6mm. The ‘normal’ ratio of ascender – x-height – descender is 3:2:3. Therefore if you have an x-height of 4mm, you would have 6mm for ascenders and descenders. However, these are only guidelines. Copperplate writing has …
With Copperplate, it is important to have the right equipment and materials. Drawing Board For most work, a calligrapher will use a drawing board, which if at the correct angle will help improve ink flow. When writing Copperplate, I personally tend not to use a board. By having the paper flat on the desk, it …
The follow posts have been taken from the old (pre Facebook) Scribblers Community. You may find them useful if you are new to Copperplate. I’m left handed and want to learn copperplate, will I need left handed nibs or is it immaterial with pointed nibs? This might sound stupid, but I’m only at the “get …
Copperplate looks like it is written at speed because the letters are joined (cursive). In fact Copperplate needs to be written very slowly. Although the letters appear joined, the letters are not written as one continuous stroke. They are built up from a series of pen strokes. A good pen control is required to produce …
Specialised equipment is required for Copperplate writing. Nibs You need to use a pointed nib for Copperplate, which does not have a reservoir. The most commonly used nibs in the UK are probably the Leonardt Principal EF, Gillott 170, 303 and 404.Others in fairly common use are the Hunt 101 and the Brause 66EF. The …
For many years the hand which we know today as ‘Copperplate’ was called ‘Roundhand’. Unfortunately that name is now sometimes used by calligraphers as an alternative for the ‘Foundational Hand’ first developed and popularised by Edward Johnston.It is called Copperplate as in the early days the scribe’s writing was transferred by an engraver, using a …
The choice of penholder for Copperplate style of writing depends upon the nib you are using and whether you are left or right-handed. The majority of calligraphers use a straight nib, for example the Leonardt Principal EF or a Gillott 303 nib. If you are using a straight nib and are right-handed you want to …
Starting Calligraphy – Penholders for Copperplate Read More »