Douglas is Acting Treasurer for Glasgow Scribes. His calm efficiency and enthusiasm for calligraphy have been a great support to the group.
What made you start learning calligraphy?
When I retired I looked over my old university notes and found them difficult to read. So I decided to join Duncan Tolmie’s calligraphy class at Strathclyde University. Soon found out that handwriting and calligraphy are different but enjoyed the class. At the end of the class he mentioned the existence of Glasgow Scribes.
When did you join the Glasgow Scribes?
2013
What is your favourite script?
Copperplate, with italics a close second.
Favourite calligraphy pieces produced so far
If you could describe your calligraphy in 3 words?
Work in progress
What's your favourite calligraphy tool or material?
Nikko G nib, oblique holder, Higgins Eternal ink and Rhodia paper.
What do you like about being a member of the Glasgow Scribes?
Small friendly group which encourages me to get out the pens and keep practicing. The monthly meetings provide new ideas and techniques. Nice to dedicate a morning entirely to calligraphy and forget everything else.
The best calligraphy book you've read/bought?
Speedball handbook- small handy reference of scripts and techniques.
Calligraphy tip for the day/week?
When learning, stick to one resource until you are familiar with the basics and don’t be tempted to buy a lot of books at the beginning. They all have differences in stroke formation, pen angle and x heights which can lead to confusion. When I started I concentrated on the notes I received from Duncan Tolmie’s class which gave a consistent approach and eventually expanded my source material as Duncan did not cover pointed pen calligraphy. Calligraphy looks easy but precision and consistence takes time and practice.
What hobbies/activities do you do other than calligraphy?
In the summer I have started getting back to the bowls. I continue to study ancient greek, this is quite difficult as the vocabulary and grammar are challenging with a weird sort of mathematical logic which I find very interesting. Recently I have got interested in islamic geometric patterns and the maths of symmetry on which it is based. I also like reading fiction, listening to mainly 60s and 70s pop music and walking to keep my knees active. Hopefully I can soon get back to travelling and cruising.
