What is Calligraphy?

The word originates from the Greek terms Kallos (meaning beautiful) and Graphe (meaning writing) - hence beautiful writing. The first 'writers' were prehistoric cavemen who painted pictures on their cave walls - these pictures were a very early form of written communication. These 'picture drawings' developed over the years which lead to the Egyptian hieroglyphics and then on to the Greek alphabet.

By 200 BC the Roman alphabet was formed using 23 letters (there was no letter U, J or W). Writers at this time were called scribes and were valued and essential members of the hierarchy. What they wrote was basic with no beauty.

Approximately 600 AD calligraphers arrived and raised writing to the status of art. They recorded writings of kings and popes. The letter characters acquired grace and beauty. The majority of these calligraphers / scribes were monks who worked their entire lives creating beautiful manuscripts with illuminated lettering and elaborate drawings. The famous book of Kells was written 1200 years ago on the island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland by the monks who lived there.

In 1450 the printing press was developed and handwriting became less common. In the Victorian times there was a great revival in handwriting which has continued through to today.

Calligraphers are in high demand today even with the development of computers and word processors. There is nothing more beautiful than a piece of handwritten material.

Because weddings are steeped in tradition, many couples choose calligraphic stationery for their weddings. Many calligraphers continue with the tradition of hand-made wedding stationery written in beautiful calligraphy. Most stationery is individual to each client and designed with the theme of the wedding in mind. If desired, genuine scroll invitations are posted out to the guests in small postal tubes.

Once you have chosen your style for your wedding, you can usually order from a large selection of bespoke invitation cards, order of service books or scrolls, menus, place cards, bookmark place settings, elaborate table seating plans, hand-made guest books and unique guest signature scroll, together with many other wedding related items.

If you have purchased your stationery elsewhere then why not consider having the guest's names written on for you and to add the finishing touch, have the envelopes professionally addressed.

Marlborough Calligraphy are a family run business and have been helping brides to make their wedding day special for over 10 years. Graham has been involved with calligraphy for over 25 years. Jane has been designing wedding favours for over 12 years. All our goods are available for mail order and a sample service is offered. Visit our site at www.marlboroughcalligraphy.com or email us at enquiries@marlboroughcalligraphy.com.

Marlborough Calligraphy