We are now stocking Leonardt Copperplate Nibs.
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Leonardt Shorthand Nib Very flexible nib |
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Leonardt Crown Nib A fine nib specially suited to Copperplate writing. Bronze finish |
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Leonardt Point Nib Suitable for small Copperplate writing. Nickel finish |
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A running cursive derived from Italic was developed, referred to as ’roundhand’. The engraver’s tool could better reproduce writing made with a pointed rather than an edged pen. From this engraving method the ’roundhand’ became termed ‘copperplate’. Although Copperplate appears as a cursive script, it is in fact built up from a series of pen strokes.
Gaynor Goffe has added Copperplate Minuscules (lower case letters) to her range of short courses.
The Copperplate Minuscules course will teach you how to write the lower-case (minuscule) letters.
You will start with learning the letterforms and pressure and release technique in pencil, followed by 3 lessons using the pen. With the pen you start with the basic letter strokes learning how to control the pointed nib. You will then combine these strokes to build up the letters of the alphabet. The letters of the alphabet are studied in groups based upon their characteristics.
The course consists of 4 lesson, each lesson building up the skills necessary to write Copperplate Minuscules.
Marking by Gaynor is detailed with individual guidance, corrections demonstrated and prompt return of work.
Copperplate, a calligraphic style popular in England in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, remains one of the most elegant and popular styles among calligraphers. This volume is a complete manual on the technique of writing with the pointed pen in roundhand, which is the American version of copperplate.
You’ll find detailed step-by-step instructions for executing the straight stroke, variations on the straight stroke (heavy strokes, hairline), curved stroke, push stroke, shading, ligatures, and other components of the style. Mastery of these strokes will in turn enable you to form lower-case letters and variations, capitals, alternate forms of capitals, numerals, and more.
The author has provided numerous sample letters in both upper and lower case, alphabet sentences, and two short compositions for use in learning to draw the letters properly. Also included are helpful suggestions on selection and care of a calligrapher’s tools: inks, nibs, paper.
A model book as well as an instruction book, The Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy is completely written in roundhand. By carefully studying its elegant script and practicing the formation of letters according to the author’s expert advice, even beginning calligraphers can achieve a good standard of the influential and distinctive copperplate style.
This is useful book to have in your collection. Along with ‘Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy’ this book will help you work out the order and directions of the penstrokes for both lower and upper case letters.
Original Dover (1987) publication. Foreword. 48pp. 8″ x 11″. Paperbound.
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 naturally increases the ink flow because the penholder and nib will be more upright.
Nibs
Pointed nibs will not last very long. Typically they will start to scratch after writing only a few A3 pages. Some nibs are better than others. The Leonardt Principal EF nib will normally last longer than the Gillott nibs. Vintage nibs last longer than most of the modern nibs.
When the nibs start to scratch, I know some calligraphers have tried to sharpen them – I believe with mixed results. I have never had any success with sharpening pointed nibs.
Ink
The right ink is important. Many inks are too thick and will not flow well from the nib. Some inks are thin enough to flow, but are still quite thick and give a heavier hairline. Often it is possible to make the ink the correct consistency by adding a little water. For best results I use Walker’s Copperplate Ink. This recipe has been fine tuned by Brian Walker over the years and gives excellent results – a very fine hairline and dark shades.
Paper
The paper must be very smooth for Copperplate. If the paper is not smooth enough the nib will catch on it as you try and make it glide over the paper. If the nib is starting to scratch or the paper is not smooth enough, you will be disappointed with your efforts and very quickly become disheartened. Ordinary layout paper can be suitable as can a quality, but very smooth cartridge paper. For final pieces of work use a quality paper, these include some papers designed for ink-jet printers. The most popular paper for Copperplate is Character Paper.
The Copperplate Special Interest Group was founded in 1995 by Jim Linwood to address the needs of pointed pen enthusiasts. Prior to this, there had been a lack of focus for lovers of Copperplate and other pointed pen calligraphy. The aim of the group is to promote Copperplate as a beautiful calligraphic hand.
Since the group was set up, interest has grown in the hand, and we now have an enthusiastic membership of over 180 worldwide, incorporating all ranges of ability from the very beginner to some eminent and expert broad-edge calligraphers.
We keep our members in touch with four newsletters a year, which include information on nibs, suitable inks and papers, samples of work, hints and tips, events and workshops.
We run an Envelope Exchange scheme every six months, and a ‘mentoring’ scheme in which the less experienced can receive help to improve their Copperplate from the more experienced. There is also an ongoing project which culminates in a yearly calendar.
We are a friendly and inclusive group, and we welcome new members. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in Copperplate.
Membership is currently £9 per year for UK members, and £13 per year for overseas members.
For more information email Joy Daniels at: joydaniels [at] ntlworld [dot] com
