Scribe's Secrets: Uncial, Textura, Carolingian Minuscule with Rafał Cała

About the event

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the medieval scriptorium and discover the basics of an art that has survived the ages! Step into a world where black art reigned. Discover the world of three scripts and give them your own rhythm! This course is a story about the old handwritten book. It is a journey through the secrets of the scriptorium, ancient techniques, recipes, and above all, letters. During this course, you will learn several scripts! You will draw letters in uncial, Carolingian minuscule, and Gothic textura. But not in their simplest, already familiar versions! What will the classes look like? Our meetings will be a journey through three writing styles that combine into a coherent story about the development of old scripts. - Uncial – we chose its less rounded form. Thanks to this, the letters will work not only as standalone writing but also as beautiful initials alongside Carolingian minuscule (and more). - Carolingian minuscule – this will be the premiere of our new template for this script! We will learn its proportions and rhythm, which made minuscule the basis for many later scripts. - Gothic textura – we will refer to the pattern of one of the three scribes of the Florian Psalter – one of the most valuable manuscripts in Polish collections. The chosen textura variant does not have the sharp, "toothed" forms known, for example, from Albrecht Dürer's templates. Instead, its shapes are more fluid, making it more pleasant and free to write. The classes will demystify the simple nib, which – though hard – can bend under the hand of a skilled scribe, revealing its full potential. 📅 WHEN? On Thursday afternoons: 18:00-20:00 October: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November: 6, 13, 20, 27 December: 4 FOR WHOM? - For beginners looking for a new passion or favorite style, - Beyond its substantive value, the workshops are also for people tired of staying only at home and work, - For those seeking a moment of respite and relaxation in an atmospheric studio, in the company of people sharing the same passion, - For people who want to enter the world of handicrafts or art but lack courage. We invite everyone over 16 years old. WHAT DO YOU NEED? You don't need any materials! Everything is available in our studio. We ensure you are surrounded by the highest quality materials so that nothing is missing. Nothing will stop our creativity! We have prepared a starter kit for you that will immediately enable you to continue calligraphy at home: - 2-in-1 oblique and straight pen holder, - nib with reservoir, - ink, - a set of original templates, guidelines, and exercises prepared on high-quality paper, including an extensive set of exercises to complete at home. WHO WILL LEAD THE CLASSES? Rafał Cała @zaklete_slowa Rafał took his first steps in calligraphy in 2018. Over time, passion, and determination, he delved into the secrets of calligraphy under the guidance of A. Ćwikowska, M. Umińska, A. Hartman, and J. Danak. His heart beats faster for the history of writing and books, which led him to explore this fascinating subject during his library studies, filling gaps in his knowledge. The cut nib is his element. For him, it is an instrument through which he creates works full of magic. He is also passionate about recreating old inks according to historical recipes in his alchemical workshop. He gained experience in teaching calligraphy while working at the Museum of King John III's Palace in Wilanów, where he held the honorable role of court scribe, teaching new generations to enchant with the pen. Registration via the website.