
For over thirty years I have been working as both a calligrapher and artist in my converted Victorian pigsty at the rear of our cottage. Nestled in the top left hand corner of Worcestershire surrounded by Abberley Hills, I have endless inspiration for my work. Whilst having a particular passion for nature and history, I also take great joy in bringing literature to life through the character of different lettering scripts, painting and illustration. Whether it is a uniquely commissioned artwork, one of my personal experiments, everything I do revolves around hand crafting a meaningful final piece.
COMMISSIONS
It is always an immense privilege to receive a commission for a bespoke piece of artwork. Many people have never commissioned a piece of artwork and have understandable concerns about the process. I take delight in involving each client on the journey of creation though each stage from initial ideas and drafts through to creating the final work.
I have had clients from all over and pieces have travelled far and wide across the world. The internet allows for every client to be involved although people are also very welcome to meet face to face too. Below is a list of themes which fulfill the needs of clients...
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wedding Gifts, Special Celebrations, Bespoke Invitations, Retirement, Memorials, Family Trees, Birthdate keepsakes for a new family member and so many more...
The pieces are often: Poems, prose, quotations, inspirational words, meaningful lyrics, and, and, and....
I am always happy to chat and discuss ideas without any obligation.
I LOVE TO CREATE THE PERFECT GIFT FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING!
EXHIBITIONS
I exhibit at a variety of venues and also ongoing changing exhibitions.
Swansea Museum and Art Gallery - Words Made Beautiful - Celebrating 100 years of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators
I am honoured to have a specially created work accepted for this celebratory travelling exhibition curated by SSI Fellows. It is a reflection of the 100 years of expressive lettering nurtured by the Society. The exhibition started in The Mall Gallery, London and then travelled to Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery and now at its final venue in Swansea Museum.
https://calligraphyonline.org/exhibitions/words-made-beautiful/
Great Witley Tea Rooms - exhibiting as part of a Worcestershire art group for the month of August 2022
https://www.witleytearooms.co.uk/
Update of new exhibitions will be posted when details become available... in the pipeline:
Worcester Cathedral; Hartlebury Castle; Rock Church; Astley Church, Ledbury Lettering Festival...
REGULAR AND ONGOING EXHIBITIONS
You can find my work at:
Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury.
www.jinneyring.co.uk
The Corn Hall Craft Market in Cirencester - the first Saturday of every month - 10:00am to 16:30pm
Come and see me and an extensive display of my work. I have been attending this craft market for more than twenty years. It is lovely to chat to visitors and I have regular customers from that area and beyond.
www.cornhallcirencester.org.uk/markets/cotswold-craft-market
TEACHING
Teaching is another great passion. Inspiring others to enjoy the relaxation and rewards of developing their own calligraphy skills, discovering the wide range of scripts and how they can be used to interpret the written word is such a joy.
I have a regular calligraphy group based near Kidderminster and have taught for many years at Kidderminster College as part of their recreational evening courses.
I provide day workshops for other calligraphy groups:
The Marches Scribes; Shropshire Scribes; Gloucester Scribes; North-West Scribes; Hampshire Scribes. These courses are always available to non members and cover specific calligraphy themes.
I will update when course details become available.
I have run day courses for Worcestershire WI and other local art groups. I will update with details as and when such new courses are confirmed.
Until Covid which changed our daily lives, I ran day or half day courses based at Worcestershire Libraries. I hope that the Libraries Department start to reinstate their face to face adult learning programme soon.
The Pigsty Studio
For anyone who would like to learn calligraphy I can now offer teaching sessions based in Abberley. Gift vouchers are also available if you would like to surprise someone with a relaxing treat.
For enquiries and details about any workshop opportunities or to find out more about calligraphy tuition please contact me and I will be delighted to help:
E.mail - thepigstystudio@gmail.com
Telephone - 01299 896797 (If not available, I have an answer phone and happy to get back to you)