This calligrapher’s thoughts on the 1st CLAS Creative

7 May

In March 2025, I attended The Calligraphy Lettering and Arts Society’s (CLAS) first Creative in London. Alongside the AGM, it brought together members of CLAS to share, exhibit and admire the work of fellow creatives.

The things I loved most were (in no particular order):

1. The opportunity to meet and discuss all things calligraphy and lettering with tutors I have learnt from and calligrapher’s whose work I admire.

2. The chance to discover calligraphers whose work I’m seeing for the first time and talk to them about their inspirations. This time I discovered Tess Cooling (@tesscooling) and Jen Thompson who inspired me to create my first interactive book since being in school.

3. It’s a family event! I brought along my husband and daughter and that was delightful.

4. The organisers are so friendly and welcoming.

5. People come from all over the UK; from Hertfordshire to Hereford, Kent to Coventry, Wales to the West Coast.

6. The work on display is STUNNING.

7. I come away renewed and inspired. Every. Single. Time.

8. This year’s inspiration for many of the works came from the quatrains of Lemn Sissay (@sissaylemn); a favourite poet of mine.