Calligraphy Workshop: Copperplate Hand Lettering

Learn to write in Copperplate script with our calligraphy short courses in Sydney!

Copperplate calligraphy is a timeless and elegant script, renowned for its flowing lines, graceful loops, and striking contrast between thick and thin strokes. Originally developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, Copperplate was engraved on copper plates, inspiring the refined handwriting styles we admire today. This course will introduce you to the rich history of calligraphy and the evolution of our modern alphabet, giving you both context and appreciation for this beautiful art form.

In this course, you will learn how to write with a pointed pen, develop your design sense, and enhance your spatial awareness. Through guided practice, you will create your own Copperplate calligraphy project while gaining practical skills that you can apply to invitations, letters, art projects, and more at home. By the end of the course, you’ll not only master the technique but also have the confidence to explore your own creative expression through calligraphy.

After finishing this copperplate hand calligraphy course, you might like to enrol in:

• Calligraphy: Modern Pointed Pen Course
• Calligraphy: Italic Script Course

Learning outcomes

By the end of this copperplate hand calligraphy course, you should be able to apply:

• Letters and numerals of the Copperplate script
• Spacial awareness
• Analytical skills for letter form and shape
• An understanding of layout and design skills
• Colour and design techniques
• All learned skills to a piece of work or project

Course content

What will be covered in this copperplate hand calligraphy course?

• How to write with a pointed pen
• The script, its style, letter construction and characteristics
• Letterform, spacing and joining of letters
• Capitals and their origins and combine them with the lower case letters
• Flourishing
• Numerals
• Colour, layout and design skills with the idea of combining all of the above to produce a small piece of work.

Intended audience

Who is this copperplate hand calligraphy course for?

This course is for beginners, or those that have some experience

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd)

Course materials

Option 1: Purchase a materials kit at enrolment checkout. This will be supplied in your first class.

Please also bring these three additional items, as they are not included in the kit:

• A ruler
• A water jar
• A pencil

Option 2: Uncheck the materials kit at enrolment checkout and bring your own.

The materials that are required for the class are:

• A4 or A3 layout pad (Canson)
• Copperplate or pointed pen nib (Zebra G nib recommended)
• Pen holder (either a straight pen holder or an oblique holder specifically for Copperplate)
• Ink (Black Sumi ink or Chinese stick ink)
• Coloured inks, gouache, coloured pencils
• Ruler, pencil HB
• Water jar, rag
• Other supplies will be advised if needed throughout the course

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Closed-in shoes required
• Please wear old clothes
• Long hair must be tied back