THE CLAS LADDER OF PROGRESS

This is an assessment award, not a course.

CLAS was established with the remit of recognising quality and improving standards of calligraphy and lettering, and the National Diploma in Calligraphy is at the heart of this.

Careful planning and a great deal of preparation meant that the first candidates were able to submit their work fairly soon after the Diploma was announced, and only minor adjustments have been needed in the light of experience.

CLAS is responsible for this nationally recognised award. The CLAS booklets for the Certificate and Diploma in Calligraphy explain clearly and concisely what is required for each level so that candidates can aim for the one which is most appropriate for them.

The award of the National Diploma at any of the levels Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced indicates a standard and level of achievement. It also entails a degree of hard work and commitment; if it was easy then everyone would have one!

Foundation
This level is for those who have completed consistent tuition part time, with study and practice at home, for at least one year, and usually two or more. It concentrates on one hand only - a basic hand with pen-made majuscules, in practice either Foundational/Round Hand or Formal Italic. Candidates are required to submit a minimum of three pieces, one in the basic hand, one which includes pen-made majuscules in the basic hand, and one using colour other than black in an imaginative way. An illustrated study of the history of calligraphy from Roman times to the present day is also required.

Intermediate
The Intermediate level is for those with some experience in calligraphy who have developed skills in more than one writing style. Their approach to the craft is expected to be more adventurous than at Foundation level, and their use of a variety of tools and different writing surfaces more competent. Candidates are required to submit a minimum of five pieces which show use of two other alphabet styles in addition to one of the basic hands (Foundational/Round Hand or Formal Italic), work which demonstrates the contrast made by letter weight and texture, work exclusively in pen-made majuscules, experiments with a variety of textures and surfaces and a finished piece of work as a result of this. The historical study at Intermediate level requires special study of the three chosen hands and of twentieth century calligraphers.

Advanced
All the work submitted at this level so far has been of such excellent quality that those who have seen the pieces may think that they may never be able to reach such dizzy heights! This is not the case, and with further hard work and dedication many of those who achieve Intermediate level should find Advanced within their grasp. Sensitive interpretation of text as well as a thorough understanding of, and competence in, a variety of writing styles is required at this level. Five finished pieces of work are required which include a manuscript book, decorative elements which can include gold and/or heraldry, and similar work of a high standard. The historical study includes the candidate's own studies and comments including notes on historical materials, pigments, methods of working and so on.

CLAS plans to run support groups for the National Diploma, particularly those at Intermediate level who wish to work for Advanced level, to give candidates an opportunity to plan their pieces, bring their work for discussion and advice from CLAS Fellows, including members of the Assessors Team.