The Society of
Scribes & Illuminators
Our disciplines
Welcome to the home of Calligraphy
The SSI is the oldest Calligraphy Society in the world, founded over 100 years ago at the beginning of the modern revival of edged pen writing. Over the century calligraphy has flourished in dynamic and varied ways: formal documents and public lettering, print and digital applications, personal and unique artworks.
SSI Fellowship
Work by elected Fellows of the SSI is, and has been for over a century, the standard bearer for calligraphy and illumination. Fellowship is awarded by the Fellows to those whose work is of high professional and technical standard as well as showing individuality and originality.
Gallery
One of the SSI’s aims is to promote excellent work, through exhibitions or commissions.
Take a look at our gallery to see examples of fine contemporary work in calligraphy and related disciplines.
Library & Records
The SSI has played an important part in the history of the development of calligraphy and illumination. Many leading calligraphic artists are Fellows: discover more in our records. The library is an extensive collection of publications over 150 years.
100
YEARS
About the SSI
the oldest Calligraphy Society in the world
Initially membership of the Society was by election only, but today the SSI welcomes all those who are interested in calligraphy. Fellows are still elected on merit of their work and Lay Members take an active part in meetings and exhibitions.
The SSI offers support and encouragement to new learners and those developing their practice, through its opportunities for education. Regular publications of The Scribe inform and keep members up to date with new ideas and a wider perspective on all aspects of calligraphy.
Why Calligraphy & Illumination?
DISCIPLINES
Our Fellows
Years Old
Join us for our
Events & Education
-
Lay Members’ Exhibition 2025
This is a show for all Lay Members, both to view and to participate in, open to all levels of ability and experience. The theme for 2025 is: ‘Inspired by Nature’.
-
Open Day and AGM 2025
The Art Workers’ Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT, Saturday 14th June 2025 from 12.30 – 4.00
-
Italic Hand Correspondence Course
£400.00 – £440.00The Italic hand is one of the most important in the calligrapher’s repertoire due to its formal elegance and its capacity for variation.
The SSI is pleased to offer a new downloadable course of eight lessons on the Italic hand that is suitable for the complete beginner or for those who simply want to improve their skills. For each lesson, there is a short video, demonstrating clearly how the forms are made; an invaluable aid to learning to write well.
-
Study Days 2024/25
£100.00 – £140.00Let a museum visit inspire you and a Fellow guide you towards new calligraphic projects.
We are delighted to announce that the Study Days for 2024/25 will be led by Juliet Bankes FSSI and the source of inspiration will be the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.
Study Days 2024/25 will be led by Juliet Bankes FSSI and will take place on 21 September 2024 at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford and 8 February 2025 at the Stanton St John Village Hall near Oxford. The SSI Study Days provide a unique opportunity to find inspiration for work and to develop your ideas through to a finished piece.
Please provide your experience under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on checkout, giving brief details of your experience such as classes/workshops/courses attended.
be part of the ssi
JOIN NOW
The SSI welcomes anyone who is interested in calligraphy and illumination, at whatever level. Membership gives you access to publications, use of the SSI Library and up-to-date information regarding courses and events. In addition, Lay Members can take part in their annual exhibition and Fellows have the right to exhibit their work in public SSI exhibitions.
Lay Members
Full membership of The Society of Scribes & Illuminators .
Friends
For those who do not wish to exhibit work or attend events.
Students
Discount for full-time UK calligraphy or design students.
Fellows
Fellowship is voted by peers in the SSI.
