CLAS FELLOWS

This is the highest craft level within the CLAS Ladder of Progress, and is a great achievement recognised internationally. Successful applicants may use the letters FCLAS after their name. As a guide, the level of Fellowship is seen to be about that of a high pass (70%+) at the National Diploma in Calligraphy Advanced Level, however it should be pointed out that having the National Diploma at this level is not a requirement for application.

Those who do not have the National Diploma at Advanced level (70%+) are required to take their work to a CLAS Honoured Fellow, who has assessed work at Advanced level for the National Diploma, at least four months before the assessment date. See also the CLAS Course Forward to Fellowship on the "Activities" page.

Fellowship candidates are asked to bring along a selection of work so that it can be looked at by the Fellowship Assessment team. This is not a formal exhibition and work is not displayed in any way other than putting it out on tables. Calligraphic pieces should be mounted, but don't need to be framed.

Assessments take place in London or the south east of England as and when they are needed.

Candidates are expected to talk with the Fellowship Assessment Team about their work. This is an informal occasion and not an inquisition nor something for which a prepared set speech is required.

All CLAS assessment is criteria-referenced, and the referencing system used is similar to that for the Advanced Level of the National Diploma in Calligraphy. A copy of the criteria and assessment sheet is sent to those enquiring about CLAS Fellowship. Candidates receive a completed copy of the assessment sheet regardless of the outcome and this is aimed to be constructive and of help for the future.

The requirement for CLAS Fellowship assessment is a minimum of five and a maximum of ten pieces completed during the last five years. Best work should be chosen. There is no given requirement for what should be included, but at least one piece should show the handling of a variety of weights of lettering on one panel, another showing work with colour, perhaps a manuscript book, possibly work which includes traditional skills including the use of vellum, raised gold and perhaps heraldry, experimental pieces, and so on.

For applied letterers, it is recommended that pieces show the breadth of work and ideas. It may be difficult to bring original pieces if work is mainly to commission. In this instance the Fellowship Assessment Team will need to see good quality large photographs, and plenty of working roughs, as well as a minimum of four original works.

Preliminary drafts of one piece are required so that the working process from initial ideas to finished piece can be seen clearly.

Successful candidates are presented with a specially designed CLAS Fellowship certificate at the CLAS AGM following their assessment.

The Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society, 54 Boileau Road, London SW13 9BL England