Denis Brown: Calligraphers

Paul:

Denis Brown:

Born: 1968, Dublin, Ireland.
"Denis Brown's work stems from ancient traditions of manuscript writing, and he has engaged with these since his early teens. Rigorous formal training in traditional calligraphy at London's Roehampton Institute has formed a strong foundation for later experimental work. His work explodes from and extends traditions of calligraphy in the form of innovative works of art. Widely traveled with his work, he has lectured on four continents, and is internationally recognized as a world leader in the field of Letter Arts."

Education: Diploma in Advanced Calligraphy, Roehampton Institute, London, 1987 - 1989

Awards: RDS National Craft Competition 2009: Denis Brown was awarded two first prizes plus an RDS Committee of Arts Acquisition. Total of 23 prizes won in this annual competition in 20 years since 1989, including 10 first prizes in calligraphy category, 1 first prize in glass category; and 9 overall award.

2006: The crafts Council of Ireland annual Bursary award.

Celebrate Calligraphy (above)

Calligraphy by Denis Brown, 2010,

30 x 22 cm, 12" x 9"

Catalogue cover calligraphy for a 2011 exhibition celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators. The SSI must be the oldest calligraphy guild of them all, founded in UK in 1921 by students of Edward Johnston. I'm pleased to be reconnected with this society and its traditions, and still proud that I was their first Irish Fellow (FSSI), and at 20 years old was possibly the youngest fellow elected in the history of the society.

Calligraphy on a painted and gilt paper using custom techniques as I teach in my workshop called Experimental Gilding.

Quill Skill, Calligraphy by Denis Brown, 2004

"Gothic lettering does not have to follow traditional alphabet styles or so called Old English calligraphy. This example derives as much from an understanding of italic. It is own style as much as any style." - Denis Brown

The rhythm of quick upward flicks was here more valued than precisely ending strokes at the top of letters- the visible overlaps help portray the vigor of the moment of writing. A rhythm closer to italic pervades this Gothic lettering. The small capitals are also alive, since they were written with attitude. When one begins lettering, one is drawn to decorative styles an in so called Old English calligraphy but as soon as one starts to understand movement, fluency and gesture in writing, any calligraphy may gain more life.

"I started calligraphy in my early teens as a schoolboy. I loved the immediacy from the beginning- the ability to make letters with a few direct pen-strokes. Since receiving my first commissions at just 15, I've never looked back. While still studying for a degree in calligraphy at London's Roehampton Institute I was awarded fellowship of the UK Society of Scribes and Illuminators; at 20 I was their youngest Fellow ever in addition to being their first Fellow from Ireland. that was 23 years ago and my work has continually developed since then.

I push boundaries while continually refining and extending traditional skills. I use letterforms and writing to create three-dimensional layered works of art where a thousand words may paint a picture. At a time in history where handwriting is being eclipsed by e-mail, text messaging and other digital means of communication, my work explores the meaning and function of being a scribe in the 21st century.

I'm very fortunate to be known in many parts of the world as a leader in the field of calligraphy, and spend some time each year travelling to teach international workshops at the invitation of calligraphy guilds. This year I've also launched an online educational video program Calligraphy.TV which is an exciting new way I can share my knowledge." - Denis Brown