Introduction to Lettercraft Short Course
Course description
Course overview
In recent times there has been a renaissance of hands-on skills, particularly those involving the lettering arts. This unique six-week course gives beginners and some with previous experience an opportunity to try out three different aspects of traditional hand lettering and typography.
Each of the two-week modules complement each other giving students an introduction to these rewarding techniques. The tutors are established and highly respected practitioners in their own fields and have been specially chosen because of their friendly and accessible attitude.
At the end of the course, you will take a selection of lettering and letterpress examples, also including a set of notes outlining each process.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone interested in lettering, typography, graphic design, lettering arts and traditional crafts, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.
Key information
Topics covered
- Traditional letterpress and typesetting
- Calligraphy
- Signwriting
Learning outcomes
- Develop a greater understanding of the foundations, history and development of typography
- Have an overview of 3 distinct analogue processes and skills
- Understand the creation of a series of printed and hand rendered materials
- Develop an understanding of the creation of letterforms
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Size 6 special sign writing brush, size 6 (available from the College Arts Shop)
- Size 4 automatic lettering pen, size 4 (available from the College Arts Shop)
- Pencil and ruler
All paper, paints and inks are provided.
Tutor
Helen Ingham
Helen Ingham set up The Hi-Artz Press in 2002, producing highly expressive letterpress work with strong typographical and illustrative elements. She studied MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins and was an intern at Hatch Showprint in Nashville. She carries out editorial and private commissions, exhibits in galleries and instructs at Central Saint Martins.
Wayne Tanswell
Born in 1964 in London, Wayne Tanswell relocated with his family to Long Melford, Suffolk. Departing from school in 1980, he embarked on his career as a trainee sign writer. Over the years, Wayne’s professional journey has traversed various corners of the United Kingdom, extending to Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Wight. Additionally, his expertise has been sought after internationally, leading him to undertake projects in Bahrain, Zambia, as well as European countries like Spain, Holland, and Belgium.
Wayne’s portfolio encompasses the creation of signage for hotels, pubs, and traditional shop fascias. His notable private commissions include contributing to Chris Rea’s video “Go Your Own Way,” projects for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and collaborations with the Museum of Royal Worcester.
In 1995, Wayne secured sponsorship from the esteemed brush manufacturer A.S. Handover to produce the instructional film “Learn Signwriting Volume One,” released on VHS video.
As a skilled lettering artist, Wayne has showcased his work in solo exhibitions held in various locations, including Cambridge, London, and his native Suffolk. His artistic repertoire features original quotations and a fusion of diverse fonts, seamlessly blending traditional sign writing techniques with contemporary flair. Wayne’s exhibitions and artwork have garnered recognition on television and in national newspapers. Notably, he has ventured into the realm of education, recently commencing hand lettering instruction at Central St Martins UAL in London.
Ellie Heywood
Ellie Heywood is a calligrapher and lettering artist based in London. She started her freelance lettering practice 'elettr' in 2015, before graduating with a BA in Graphic Design from Leeds Arts University in 2016. She has worked on signs, logotypes and murals for clients worldwide, and exhibited work in the UK, Berlin and Bulgaria. Her work has been published in several Typism books and The Yearbook of Lettering in 2023. Her current focus is on blackletter calligraphy scripts, where personal work leads her to deconstruct letterforms, pushing their boundaries into abstraction to become pattern and image. Client work has seen projects brought to life such as large scale typographic murals, calligraphic props, hand-painted fascias and custom beer can design. She teaches calligraphy both in person and online via printable worksheets.
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