August 20, 2011
My workspace
Filed Under (Calligraphy & Lettering) by Keith on 20-08-2011

This is where all my major works of art are created, and look, there I am at the bottom center taking a well earned rest from my creative labours.

I have been asked to create a Remembrance Day scroll for the local British Legion. They stated they wanted it in a modern contemporary style and not to look like “some medieval monk” had created it [their words].

They chose the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’, which was first published in The Times in September 1914.

This is the first draft/idea I came up with. The finished scroll will be on parchment with a border of poppies to link it to another famous poem; which I have lettered out many times in the past for various people, called In Flanders Fields

Personally I would have chosen ‘In Flanders Fields’ because I think it says so much more than the ode, but as they say, “he who pays the piper calls the tune”, so The Ode of Remembrance it is!

I’m not really happy about the font I used. I can’t decide whether it’s suitable for the occasion or not. I have always believed that the font-style should always reflect the subject content, i.e. I use Copperplate for weddings, Cloister black for funerals, Chancery Italic for change of address and other informal occasions, etc.

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This year seems to being going by at a rapid rate of knots. It will soon be time for me to start on my hand-lettered Christmas cards. I always make them for all my close friends (both of them!) every year. A personalised card says so much more that a cheap tatty one from a charity shop, don’t you think? I usually do a small watercolour picture on the front, and letter the inside with the persons name and the greeting. And what do I get back? You guessed it; a cheap tatty one from a charity shop! Still, it’s the thought that counts, so why don’t they think to slip a twenty pound note in with the card for a poor old downtrodden pensioner who’s on his last bottle of malt whisky?

5 Comments posted on "My workspace"


Comments:
Anji on August 20th, 2011 at 5:59 pm #

I’ve still got a long way to go with my handwriting, despite your help.

Why not let them choose the font? I like the one you’ve chosen. it’s a lot of hard work for such a tiny man.

Did you get my email with the scans in?

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No, Anji, I never let people choose the font because they invariably choose one that does look (w)right for the subject, or one that isn’t suitable for pen or brush written letters.

Thanks, I did get your email. Will reply soon. – Keith.


betsy on August 20th, 2011 at 11:42 pm #

Really amazing writing, Keith! I used to do a little calligraphy but haven’t touched it in over 20 years. I’m sure I have all of my pens and tips somewhere!


lom on August 21st, 2011 at 6:37 am #

I was wondering if I could get away with not sending cards this year, they only end up in the bin. God I am turning into a grump!


Sarah on August 24th, 2011 at 12:11 am #

Your calligraphy is beautiful. Years ago I used an Italic script for note-taking in certain classes. My cursive had become indecipherable, even by me. Your pictures here remind me that it’s a skill I’d like to revisit once I have the time again. It’s not something to do in a rush, or when distracted.

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People tend to judge you by the way you write, as they say “untidy handwriting is a sign of a befuddled mind”. So, hows your befuddled mind coping with life? [joke] – Keith.


Sarah on August 24th, 2011 at 12:12 am #

P.S. I like “Flanders Fields” better for the purpose, also.


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