Gemma Black - The Working Versal - May 7, 14, 21, 28

Over the last two thousand years one type of majuscule in particular has been an enduring letter style for all time, the working versal. Versals have appeared in various forms of the western alphabet in every century throughout that time period. The word versal can be seen as an umbrella generic term for built-up or compound major letters throughout the history of the written word.

In this workshop we will discuss terminology, explore the traditional forms of versal and it’s history starting with compound construction then build on that to create vivacious forms that live and breathe on the page. Styles from early Greek and Roman, travelling through the dark ages, medieval and renaissance periods will be studied and explained. Learning to recreate these early forms and understanding the history of those times as well as how writing travelled from land to land, the tools that were used and the need to work with new materials all adds to the learning and understanding of calligraphy today. 

We will be exposed to early and important prime specimen manuscripts among them the Grandval Bible, the Vespasian Psalter and more before we move on to explore more contemporary master calligraphers works including Edward Johnston, Irene Wellington, Herman Kilian, Thomas Ingmire, Ann Hechle, Sheila Waters, Yukimi Annand and more.  Formal structure will soon give way to the possibilities of what can be done with versal forms as a workhorse as well as as pure enjoyment for the modern calligrapher.

As an outcome to this course the participant will be more confident and comfortable in construction and presentation of versal letterforms. A small compendium of samples will be created in this course as reference material for the participants future reference.  Each and every week there will be time converse with the tutor and to ask questions to help the student fully understand the process of building the working versal.

The Working Versal
Gemma Black, Hosted By The Gentle Penman

Live (Also recorded for later viewing)

May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023 (Sundays)

12:00 pm – 14:00 pm (Hong Kong Time)

Class Cost: HK $1,170.00 or USD $150.00

All Skills Levels

Registration Link : https://www.thegentlepenman.com/the-working-versal

Supply List:

Pens

• Set of square edged nibs. Gemma highly recommend Brause nibs (N02) and some smaller sizes in the William Mitchells (N04). Small sizes will be used a lot.

Paper

• Practice or layout paper/pad no smaller than A3 (double letter size) (P25, P32)

• Fine-art papers in neutral colours (cream, ivory, white etc.) and include black as well. Choose brands you already like to work with Ingres, Arches etc. no smaller than A3 (double letter size) (PS87-SA, PS01, PS112, PS119)

• Tracing paper – a couple of letter size sheets (P112, P2061)

Ink

• Some non-waterproof black ink – ink stick and stone recommended. (IS09, IS11, IS14, IS19, I08)

• Any gouache or watercolours you already have (plus mixing supplies) plus some opaque white ink or gouache. (HW100, WNG1, WNWC1)

Others

• A circle drawing compass (a pair of compasses) (S1061, S1085)

• Eraser (E13, E09), ruler (S270, S271), lead pencils H, HB & F (PL38), 2 x small water jar (S1005), tissues or rag, notebook/visual diary, blu-tac.