Why should I join the Society of Scribes & Illuminators?

SSI Membership allows you to keep in touch with news, events and happenings in the world of calligraphy, provides access to courses and training, and opportunities to meet like-minded people. Your membership subscription also helps us to promote the study and enjoyment of calligraphy through exhibitions, bringing the craft to a wider public. You can join as a Lay Member or as a Friend online here
We offer four types of membership
Lay Member
Benefits include:
- Two issues per year of the Society’s journal, The Scribe, which builds into a reference library of modern research, historical studies, book reviews and innovative techniques
- Regular updates on SSI news, events and courses
- Discounted entry to the Society’s annual Capital Letters Day, which features calligraphic demonstrations, stalls, advice, computer-skills workshop, guest speaker and an exhibition of Lay Members’ work, along with displays from recent graduates of the Society’s Creative Development Course
- An invitation to exhibit work at the Lay Members’ Exhibition at Capital Letters Day and receive feedback from a Fellow
- Entry to the Society’s AGM (including lunch and guest speaker) and the opportunity to vote on SSI business
- Opportunities to submit work for selection for the Society’s exhibitions
- Access to advancement in the craft through the Creative Development Course
- Access to the Society’s Library collection, held at the London College of Communication
UK Student
UK students who are following a full-time calligraphy or design course are able to join as Lay Members at a discounted rate. To join as a student first send an email to the Membership Secretary to confirm that you qualify for the reduced rate.
Friend
This category of membership is designed for those who cannot or do not wish to attend meetings and who do not wish to exhibit work. Friends will receive all the Society’s mailings, attend certain events, and use the SSI Library.
Fellow
For those recognised by his or her peers to be at a high professional level of achievement, Fellowship isobtained through election – for full details on how to apply click here. Fellowship applicants must already have Lay Membership of the Society. Fellows pay an annual fee, as listed on the Membership Rates page here. They receive all the benefits listed under Lay Membership, except for exhibiting at the Lay Members’ Exhibition.