Firstly, you will be guided through the process of making your own feather quill using materials provided. From shafts of primary feathers (the outermost wing feathers) of birds, you will craft a quill that is flexible and responsive to light variations of touch and pressure.

Once you have made your quill, Professor Marshall will show you the basic techniques of medieval calligraphy. Quills have a gliding action when drawn across paper, creating lines that are smooth, fluid, and flexible. This responsiveness gives you the ability to control the width of a line by varying downward pressure and you can practice this before making your own calligraphy piece to take home with you.  

While you are here, check out the rest that Medieval Family Day has to offer – there are free talks on medieval literature and the plague, as well as free screenings of Bayeux Tapestry, in a day of history, culture, and creativity. 

All materials are provided. Please allow 1 hour for work pieces to dry before collection. 

Workshop limited to 15 participants, ages 12+