Suitable for students who already have an understanding of using broad nibs,  

simple strokes and basic calligraphy terminology—not a beginner class. 

 

What to expect 

Learn the significant place that Carolingian script occupies in history. 

• Its emergence in the era of Charlemagne the Great as the official script for education and formal documents.  

• Its earned status as the model script when Edward Johnston revived calligraphy—in time becoming the “Foundation” of modern calligraphy. 

 

Analyse the evolution of the Carolingian script through historic manuscripts. 

 

Apply your insights into both the original and subsequent variations of Carolingian scripts, to develop your own competence in writing it. 

 

Since this class is not for complete beginners, you should already understand broad nibs, simple strokes, and basic calligraphy terminology. 

 

About your tutor 

Gyounghee Lee (Hee) is a Melbourne-based artist, calligrapher, and book-maker.   

 

Hee grew up in Busan, South Korea.  She has been studying and doing calligraphy more than 25 years.  She has attended numerous Master’s workshops and values both the basics and the history of the art very much.  Hee is an active member of the Calligraphy Society of Victoria, where she is highly regarded for both her calligraphy and her teaching skills.  Hee also currently teaches “distance” classes for students in South Korea and across Australia.   

 

Hee loves everything hand-made.  Her other artistic interests include anything using paper and inks—bookbinding, box making, printmaking, and botanical art. 

 

What will I need to bring? 

Morning tea and lunch are included in your fee! 

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Materials list: 

Please check the fluidity of pens and inks (whether ink goes through your nibs smoothly) before you come to the class. We have a fairly short time to learn the script, all the ink/paper/nibs should be ready from the start.  There won’t be time to check these.  Usually, checking nibs/ink, and trying on various paper (if you use a new variety of paper) takes hours. 

 

• Pen: Various sizes of your favourite nibs such as Braus, Speedball, Tape or William Mitchel.  Carolingian is usually written small, but we will try from 1.5 mm to 2.5mm (or equivalent size). You could go smaller but rarely go bigger than this. 

• Paper:  A3 size for practice (Bleed-proof pad).  Also, good paper will give you better practice surface. Hee can recommend… 

• Japon 130gsm (available in MES) 

• Arches HP 180 gsm 

• Fabriano HP 200gsm or similar 

• BFK Reves – the paper weight is not important.  

• Zeta pad (from NZ)  

• Any other paper with fine tooth and not bleeding is OK.  

• Ink: you could bring your favourite ink for lettering. Sumi 

• Pelican 4001 

• Gouaches 

• Walnut ink etc.  

 

• Other: 

• Ruler – long enough to rule lines on your choice of paper 

• Fine automatic pencil – H or HB 

• Protractor – to measure the slope angle 

• Water jar/ rag/ ink loading brush etc… the things you are normally use for your lettering. 

• Magnifying glasses or good reading glasses, if you need—the lettering size is not so big.  

• A slope board is a good idea also.   

 

Keen to learn more from Gyounghee Lee? 

Hee is teaching another two-day workshop at our 2025 Winter School: “Gelli Print Collage Book”
on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 July.