Calligraphers add to chronicles of artform’s long history

Painstaking work created by the North Leeds Calligraphers group has just gone on display at Lotherton Hall and organisers hope it will show people that the skill, which dates back centuries, is still alive and well.

“With the rise of computers and digital art, people often think that calligraphy has died out, but it really hasn’t,” says Sara Mack, who runs the group. “Computers can do wonderful things, but the creativity and hard work which goes into producing a piece of handwritten calligraphy just leaps of the page.”

The exhibition includes an elaborately designed alphabet, along with pieces which first appeared in an exhibition celebrating John Froissart, whose medieval manuscripts chronicled the Hundred Years War, at the city’s Royal Armouries.

“You can look at these works of art again and again and every time find something new,” says Sara, who recently completed calligraphy on a set of honorary degree certificates for Leeds University. “There is something quite therapeutic about calligraphy and while it can take days or weeks to produce just one small piece, the sense of satisfaction is incredible.

“Some of my pupils have been with me for years – once you start, it is very hard to stop. We are the only calligraphers in the Leeds area and I feel that the majority of the public are unaware of the fantastic work that is being produced in their locality.

“This is our way of putting calligraphy back on the map.”

The Art of Calligraphy, Lotherton Hall, Leeds, to September 16. 0113 281 3259, www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall/