Benoit Furet

A104 Filigrees from the XIVth Century

Two and a Half Day Class
ALL LEVELS
Design, History

This course will be devoted to the study of 14th century ornaments named filigrees. Also called the threads of the Virgin, filigrees have been used from the end of the Roman period to the beginning of the Renaissance. These ornaments are based on the stylization of plant shapes. Made with pointed nibs, these patterns were numerous during the Gothic period. During this course, we will study a generic type of filigree present throughout Europe in the 14th century and see how to fill large spaces with basic pattern variations, how to adorn initials with borders and how to invade the margins with antennas.

Supply List
  • Draft paper and pencil to take notes and make the first trials
  • Quality paper (e.g. watercolor) for quality work
  • ATOME1423 nibs or other pointed nibs
  • Liners
  • Any ink or paint you would like to use for color

Benoit Furet discovered calligraphy almost by chance 28 years ago and was immediately hooked. Since then he has been studying historical scripts and decoration techniques. He is really attached to the historicity of the writings used in his works even if he likes to play with other materials and colors than the one originally used. Benoit is obsessed by the Middle Ages and really fond of gothic scripts, not to mention a passion for filigrees. He has been teaching calligraphy, lettering and ornaments for 15 years in Europe and North America.