Calligraphy Workshops
Claire Delfont teaching a brush pen calligraphy workshop onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
Have you started to look at calligraphy on greetings or placecards and think you would love to be able to create them? Are you looking for a creative workshop for you and your friends, but want to be able to enjoy it in the privacy of your own home, perhaps with a glass of wine? Are you tasked with organising a fun and elegant hen event with no debauchery? Do get in touch to arrange a small group workshop in your own home, either day or evening, at a time to suit you. Everyone gets a small calligraphy kit to keep so they can continue practising their new skill.
I love starting people on their calligraphy journey, from teaching them how to handle and control a nib and ink, through to working on more complex layouts, flourishing and style development.
I first started teaching calligraphy on behalf of The Modern Calligraphy Company in 2019 when I started teaching in-person Beginner Nib Workshops for them. When the 2020 lockdowns happened , I started teaching their two hour Beginner Nib Workshops online via Zoom, before adding their 10 Week Beginner Pointed Nib Course and the Masking Fluid & Wash workshop to my repertoire. I served as an Associate Calligrapher and their Ambassador for Surrey for three years .
Since then I have taken on private clients and have also taught calligraphy masterclasses on board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 on a cruise around the Mediterranean. This August I returned to the Cunard Line to teach on board the Queen Victoria and recently made a return to Queen Mary 2 to teach on board the world’s last remaining ocean liner as she made her way across the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are the highlights…
“inspiring yet completely approachable and hugely generous sharing her techniques and tricks”
“positive and encouraging…a superb eye for detail”
“reaching her level of artistry and professionalism is a huge aspiration”
“warm and engaging style of teaching”
“I totally recommend her as a tutor”
SEE BELOW FOR THE FULL REVIEWS!
“I was a complete beginner when I joined the 10 week beginners course with the Modern Calligraphy company taught by Claire and was hooked from the moment we started. Claire united a disparate group of ladies from all over the country and had us completely focussed as she guided us through a whole new world of pen and ink, ascenders and flourishes. The two hours absolutely flew by every week, a truly mindful experience. I was completely mesmerised watching Claire’s exquisite penmanship and enjoyed seeing my own writing progress tangibly week by week.
Claire is brilliant; inspiring yet completely approachable and hugely generous sharing her techniques and tricks with us all. No detail too small, Claire was willing to deep dive into dissecting any letter or stroke we might need guidance with. The course was intensive but also light hearted and fun and I so enjoyed uniting with fellow calligraphy enthusiasts. What a thrill to find people who care as much about the curve of an “R” as I do!
Claire’s stunning work speaks for itself, she is a true artist with incredible style, elegance and meticulous attention to detail. Reaching her level of artistry and professionalism is a huge aspiration which she makes you believe may actually be possible. While that level is still a distant dream for me, for now I will enjoy the solid grounding in and passion for calligraphy I have developed. It is a skill I hope to enjoy for years to come.”
“Claire made the sessions fun and informative. She is a beautiful calligrapher and she demonstrated and explained clearly the topics covered. We were a very mixed group - all at different levels, which must have been a challenge, but she was so inclusive and patient that we felt confident to ask questions. She checked on the quieter members of the group to ensure they were happy and progressing okay. Claire is a good listener and the marvellous thing was that whatever we asked of her she understood and had a solution. She showed us tips and tricks to help us. We all felt motivated and she addressed our concerns with empathy and encouragement. When Claire critiqued our work she was positive and encouraging - she has a superb eye for detail which helped us with consistency and style.
Claire is an inspiring teacher and I look forward to doing more courses with her in the future.”
“I love to doodle, but the formality of traditional calligraphy put me off giving it a try. I love the individuality and quirkiness of modern calligraphy though.
Claire’s warm and engaging style of teaching made the skill easy to learn (lots more time needed to master it!) and her beautiful style of calligraphy was truly inspirational. She has a way of making every word a piece of art.
I loved the workshop, and will definitely look out for another class with Claire.”
“After enjoying a 10 week calligraphy course with Claire as my tutor I totally recommend her as a tutor, not just for her lovely personality, knowledge and skills but also for her willingness to share those skills. She proved very patient and charming but always managed to inject a sharp wit into lessons at the same time! Claire has definitely inspired me to keep practicing and enjoying calligraphy. I greatly admire her work as a calligrapher, she has a beautiful style and feel very inspired after watching her write.”
“I just wanted to let you know how absolutely wonderful it was to have the coaching session with you. I had felt so frustrated that, while I had grasped the basics of calligraphy, I could not see any further improvement after several months! However, with your one-to-one help, your suggestions and positive encouragement, I was able to focus on, and get beyond, my stumbling blocks. Finally, I was able to critique my letterforms and connections so that the whole look of my calligraphy improved greatly!
Your advice certainly saved me money too as I was tempted to spend more on materials, which of course wouldn’t have helped! You are such a lovely, natural teacher, and so generous sharing your experience and skills.”
