**SOLD OUT** Letters of affection: an online calligraphy workshop

**SOLD OUT**

‘I have now attained the true art of letter-writing, which we are always told, is to express on paper exactly what one would say to the same person by word of mouth; I have been talking to you almost as fast as I could the whole of this letter.’

Jane writing to Cassandra, 3 January 1801

~

Letters and notes are at the core of Jane Austen’s novels. They were not only part of everyday life but a tangible reminder of the sender and a treasured object of affection.

In this exclusive online workshop we will take inspiration from Jane Austen’s letters, be they her own to her family and friends, or letters written by the characters in her novels. Working with expert calligraphy teacher Alejandra Gonaldi, we will take a step back in time and learn to write our own beautiful letters – just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Over the course of the workshop you will learn to write in a cursive style, plan the best layout for your message and fold your letter as Jane Austen would have done. By the end of the session you will have created a charming memento of Jane Austen’s House and will have the skills to create more in your own time!

Alongside Alejandra’s expert tuition you will enjoy an exclusive live session with an expert from Jane Austen’s House, introducing you to Jane Austen’s letters that are held in the Museum collection, and sharing their favourite quotes and stories. There will be plenty of time for questions and chat, over a (virtual) cup of tea!

In advance of the event you will receive an exclusive calligraphy kit, created by Alejandra, providing everything you need for the workshop. It will also contain detailed instructions that we will use in the workshop and that you can refer to in the future.

Details:

Date: Saturday 12 February 2022

Time: 7pm – 9.30pm (GMT)

Location: This event is online, join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £85

**Please note, due to postage times we can now only offer tickets to the UK**

BOOK HERE (UK only)

Your ticket includes:

• An exclusive calligraphy kit, created by Alejandra Gonaldi, providing all the materials you need for the workshop. The calligraphy kit includes:
  • Two nibs, a vintage and a modern one
  • A pen holder
  • Black ink*
  • Handouts and practice papers
• ‘Letters’ session with an expert from Jane Austen’s House, with plenty of time to chat about Jane Austen!

The capacity for this event will be kept very low, to allow everyone to have as much of Alejandra’s time and expertise as possible.

About the tutor:

Alejandra Gonaldi is a Graphic Designer and Calligrapher, and the founder of CalligrAbility.

With a degree in Graphic Design from the University of La Plata, Argentina, Alejandra worked in print production and logo design until she moved to the UK in 1999.

She has always had a special interest in Typography and Calligraphy, and gradually the latter took over. Since 2016, she has focused her career on teaching and producing calligraphy work. She co-founded Love Calligraphy where she worked until April 2020. During her time there, she worked with Kirsten Burke on special events through the North West for Jo Malone, Clinique, Molton Brown and La Mer.

Now, she works independently from home to better fit her work and family life, and runs the CalligrAbility initiative.

Contact details:

Please provide an appropriate postal address with your booking, and a valid email address, so we can ensure the kit and the link to join the event online reach you safely.

For UK orders: kits will be sent out at least two weeks prior to the event by registered post.

For international orders: kits will be sent out at least one month before the event date.

Cancellation:

We will do everything we can to ensure that this event can go ahead as planned, however we retain the right to cancel or postpone the event if necessary, in which case you will be entitled to a full refund.