Medieval Gothic Calligraphy Workshop

Medieval Calligraphy Workshop
Interested in the world of lettering? Looking to nurture your inner scribe? Learn to write textura quadrata, the quintessential medieval blackletter script and the basis for the first Western moveable type, immortalized in the Gutenberg Bible.
Artist and designer Julian Francis Kelly will introduce you to the core techniques of Western calligraphy through demonstrations, hands-on practice, and a little paleographic history. Learn about pen angle, pressure, spacing, rhythm, and letter construction. Along the way, you'll see how these same skills carry over to other Western scripts, historic and contemporary.
The workshop is designed for all skill levels and offers an approachable entry into historical calligraphy, whether you're drawn to graphic design, lettering, drawing, medieval history, or simply learning a new tactile skill.
You'll leave with a finished piece of medieval calligraphy to call your own, and a foundation in traditional lettering to continue building on, and plenty of recommendations for where to take your newfound interest next.
Materials Provided:
Calligraphy pens
Ink
Practice paper and final paper stock
Lettering guides and reference sheets
Rulers and sketching tools
What You’ll Leave With:
One finished piece of writing in textura quadrata
Foundational knowledge of western calligraphy techniques
Practice sheets and exercises for continued learning at home
Option to purchase calligraphy pens and ink used in class
Recommended resources to continue practicing calligraphy
About the Instructor:
Julian Francis Kelly (he/him) is a practicing designer and aspiring medievalist who has spent the better part of a decade studying and practicing the scripts of the early and high Middle Ages. He has drawn several contemporary typefaces from Insular and Carolingian letterforms and regularly brings historic scripts into his professional practice. Alongside his professional practice, he teaches at the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design. We're thrilled to have him leading this class.
About Kiki and Bouba Craft Lab:
Kiki and Bouba is an experimental craft lab run out of our private studio in East Williamsburg. Artists ourselves, we spend our days tinkering so we can bring you exciting, new crafts you won't find anywhere else. Our classes are intentionally very small so you'll have your instructor's attention throughout the class. Questions are welcome at every step.
What to Expect at Our Workshops:
This is not a paint-and-sip. We specialize in 2–4 hour workshops that teach you the fundamentals of skills that have taken us years to hone. Classes are skill-intensive and hands-on, with a small seat capacity so everyone gets the attention they need. Come ready to embrace the learning curve. The skills and satisfaction you walk away with are always worth it.
Refund Policy:
Kiki & Bouba Craft Lab is a small, artist-run studio led by just the two of us, Adrianna and Zolzaya. Every ticket directly supports the materials, space, fees, and care that go into each workshop. Because of this, all ticket purchases are final and non-refundable, so we encourage you to book thoughtfully. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to pass your spot along to a friend. Just email us at kikiandboubacraftlab@gmail.com so we can update the registration.
Photography & Video Notice:
We take photos and videos at our workshops for promotional use. By purchasing a ticket, you consent to being recorded and potentially featured in future marketing materials. If you prefer to not be included, please let us know in writing prior to your class. Thank you so much!
Please Note:
Participants will receive a liability waiver by email before the class begins, required to be completed prior to class. Please arrive on time to maximize your making time.