National Calligraphy Exhibition comes to Shrewsbury

Shropshire Scribes has secured a travelling exhibition from the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society (CLAS) which will be held at St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury from August 11th to 31st, 2024.

CLAS is the national body for calligraphers, with UK and international members. It exists to promote the study, practice, and teaching of western calligraphy in all its forms, and to generate awareness and appreciation among the wider public.

In the past, CLAS has held its exhibition in London once every five years. However, this year CLAS is preparing a travelling exhibition, Hand Made Letters, of new work by national and international lettering artists, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of CLAS. The exhibition will visit four venues around the UK, in London, Wells, Harrogate, and Shrewsbury, showcasing the work of calligraphers and lettering artists.

Shropshire Scribes is a calligraphy group with a full programme of events including workshops, talks, demonstrations, and exhibitions.

The group was founded 26 years ago by people who had attended calligraphy courses taught by David Young at the Gateway Arts Centre in Shrewsbury. Today, around thirty regular members meet once a month at Harmer Hill Village Hall for Saturday workshops which explore different styles and techniques, and welcome in guest tutors.

“This is one of the biggest moments in our group’s history,” said Shropshire Scribes Chairman, Peter Furniss. “It is a privilege to have been included in this national touring exhibition, which will shine a light on the opportunities with Shropshire Scribes. We hope it inspires budding scribes of all ages to have a go at the historic practice.”

Shropshire Scribes is open to new members, from complete beginners through to experienced scribes looking to sharpen their skills, and from beyond the county’s borders. They will be holding beginners’ courses in September.

“No matter what level of skill, there is always that feeling of nervous anticipation as we put the first stroke of the pen onto a blank page, wondering how the finished piece will look and hoping desperately that we will be able to complete the work without spilling ink over it!” Peter adds. “We all learn by making mistakes and you can usually pick out expert calligraphers by the way they correct mistakes without them being noticeable! It is an art you can keep finessing over the years.

“Please join us this August at St Mary’s Church to see the cream of the crop of Calligraphy from lettering artists around the world.”

Hand Made Letters will be exhibitingat St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury from August 11th to 31st, 2024. The exhibition will be free to attend.