John Lewis Oxford Street, Fortnum & Mason and Cult Pens all on board for biggest ever World Calligraphy Day on 16 August.
Founded by Manuscript Pen Company in 2017, World Calligraphy Day on 16 August is a celebration of the wonderful calligraphy community, bringing together experts and novices from across the world, together to discuss, practice, learn and celebrate the art of calligraphy and creative lettering.
The first couple of events were held at the Pen Museum in the jewellery quarter in Brimingham, a fitting venue, with the museum dedicated to preserving the history of Birmingham’s once-thriving pen trade. At its height, in the Victorian era, there were over 140 pen manufacturers in Birmingham, including Manuscript Pen Company.
Charlie Stockbridge, director of Manuscript, is the fifth generation of his family to lead the company. “World Calligraphy Day actually falls on the anniversary of my late grandfather’s birthday and it is 110 years since his birth. Arthur Charles was the third generation of our business and so this day marks a special link to a calligraphy industry rich in pen and nib history,” says Charlie.
Charlie came up with the idea of World Calligraphy Day to shout about the art form. “Mention calligraphy and people think it is old-fashioned, difficult and unobtainable. But it really isn’t. We wanted to show people that it is fun and not difficult. There are different entry points for all levels and budgets.”
While the first few events were held in-person at the Pen Museum, the event has really taken off in the past couple of years, and now encompasses a whole week of online activities, supported by retailers.
“Getting retailers involved in the event has helped us gain momentum,” says Charlie. “And this coupled with the activity online has made the event as accessible and inclusive as possible.”
This year the event kicks off on 9 August at John Lewis on Oxford Street, with the retailer running a workshop with calligrapher Lucy Khanam who will be demonstrating the Manuscript Dodec fountain pen.
And Cult Pens is back for another year with Andy Foster of Cult Pens saying: “After the success of our collaboration for 2023 World Calligraphy Day we were excited to work with Manuscript in developing a new bundle for 2024. We stock an extensive range of calligraphy pens and ink but for us Manuscript represents quality, affordable calligraphy materials with a great history in the British pen industry. This year’s bundle picks up on two trends: dip pens and shimmer Inks. We’ll be supporting World Calligraphy Day with social media and email campaigns and expect the exclusive bundle to sell fast.”
Then starting on Monday 12 August until Friday 16 August, there is a 5-day challenge on Instagram led each day by different influencers with a different creative prompt for calligraphers and lettering artists to join in with. Each day there will be an opportunity to enter a giveaway too.
On Friday 16 August, calligrapher Lyndsey Gribble from Wild Sea Calligraphy will be at Fortnum & Mason, handwriting customers’ names, using the Manuscript Heritage range.
“This is going to be the biggest event yet,” says Charlie. “Whether you’re a lettering artist, calligrapher, retailer or manufacturer – if you have a love for calligraphy and writing instruments then we invite you to celebrate World Calligraphy Day in whatever way you choose. It can be big or small…we’re here for it all.”
Follow Manuscript Pen Company on Instagram at @manuscriptpenco to keep up to date with everything happening this year for World Calligraphy Day.
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