After the numerous messages I received asking me about the Modern Calligraphy workshop that I attended a couple of days ago, I thought it best to address it over a blog post. So, although it’s not really food related (other than being set in a beautiful restaurant and the workshop ending with delicious dessert and drinks) I still thought it was worth writing about…
First of all, I was surprised how many people expressed interest, I originally asked a handful of friends because it’s always nice going with somebody but there wasn’t much enthusiasm, so I figured maybe not everyone thought calligraphy was cool! Alas I thought I’d do the grown up thing and check it out for myself, if anything food blogging has taught me it is if you open yourself to new ideas and places you’re likely to meet interesting people and have a good time.
The workshop was being held in Drunch in St John’s Wood. I was super excited, I’d made a resolution to learn new skills this year and for someone with awful handwriting to be able to learn the art of calligraphy was something my inner geek was fully ready for.
Lucy, the organiser had hired the back part of the restaurant, a secluded area luxuriously furnished as if we were in a private living room. I was impressed with not only the layout of the workshop but Lucy’s attention to detail. If it’s one thing I like its paying attention to the finer details. The place cards were set with our names in italics, black envelopes with calligraphy sheets nicely formed and gold bowls and nibs set out symmetrically accompanied by little pots of Indian ink.
Lucy started the workshop by introducing herself and explaining a little bit about the workshop. Lucy is an Arts Teacher and Freelance Arabic and Modern Calligrapher, her passion for this art form comes through in not only her knowledge and expertise but in her approach and method of teaching that she applies in her sessions with beginners.
The rest of the workshop we were left to work independently with Lucy walking around and helping us with tricky letters or just giving us general pointers. The session was so therapeutic, we all worked in our own pace learning the different strokes and mastering the different styles.
The session included complimentary drinks and desserts from Drunch’s menu. I opted for a cappuccino and salted caramel popcorn no bake cheesecake. Heaven! I also enjoyed getting to know the different people that were in the session since it was a nice small group. We learnt that most of us that wanted to pursue or try out calligraphy also came from similar professions; teaching!
We all left with a sense of achievement having gone from awkwardly holding the pens like learning to use chopsticks for the first time to actually producing some really beautiful pieces of work. It’s definitely left me feeling like I’ve learnt a new skill and an hobby I can escape to when I want a bit of me time. Let’s not forget how impressive it will be next time I decide to sign those birthday cards!
If you are interested in the sessions you can contact Lucy directly on:
instagram @lucyarts1 / @lettersbylucy
07388797571
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