JumpDay: Calligraphy and Cake
For the first JumpDay of the year, we booked a Calligraphy workshop run by the brilliant Alice Gabb.
Alice is a Lettering Artist, Modern Calligrapher, Banner Maker and activist based in East London. She runs regular workshops and classes which you can read about on her website.
JumpDays are run to keep Jump’s company culture thriving. The team are encouraged to suggest events and the idea for a calligraphy workshop came from Jump’s very lovely Head of Production, Hannah Nicholls.
Hannah:
“There’s an old family story that my Grandfather wasn’t sent to Singapore during WW2, owing to his handwriting. On a long list of names, his was the only legible signature which saved him from a pretty certain death. As a result my Dad has really beautiful handwriting and a love of calligraphy. And as a result of that, I found calligraphy very calming – almost meditative – and enjoyable when I tried it as a child.
Turns out I’m mediocre at best at it as an adult, stick my tongue out when I’m concentrating and mis-spelt my firstborn’s name during a particularly fancy attempt BUT it was incredibly enjoyable and Alice is a superb and patient teacher. I’ve bought some supplies from her so hopefully my instagram will soon be awash with my improved lettering!”
Alice started the class by talking a little about the differences between modern and classic calligraphy. We were taught how to properly insert the nib, load up our pen with ink and then complete a series of warm up exercises based on creating simple thin and thick strokes. It was only then that we moved on to trying capital letters.
Some of Alice’s words of wisdom were that calligraphy is not the same as handwriting, that we have to slow ourselves down, create a strong base for the hand with our wrists in contact with the desk …. and then practise, practise, practise. The mistakes are all part of the process.
Alice was on hand to offer guidance and tips throughout the class. She also expertly demonstrated her impressive calligraphy skills by writing out everyone’s name on a card. Quite a few of the team realised a golden opportunity with Valentine’s Day approaching – and got Alice to write out their partner’s name – no doubt to scan and turn into a romantic card. If calligraphy be the food of love … write on!
An extra bonus for the team came in the shape of some delicious home-made treats from Jump’s Production Manager and super-talented baker Katrina Dass.
Trina:
“I love baking, so it was great to have the opportunity to bring some of my favourites for the team. I made peanut butter brownies, white chocolate and fudge chunky cookies and Oreo fudge.”
The magnificent spread got pounced on by the team and nibbled on with a cup of tea while they were practising their swirly alphabets. There were plenty for goody bag takeaway snacks afterwards too. Jump’s director Russell Hilliard added some scones to the afternoon tea selection too.
Russ:
“It’s always a bit risky with scones that it starts an argument over whether to put the jam on first or the cream. I think we got away with it – but don’t even think about putting cream first on your scone in front of Becky!”
Alice Gabb:
“It was a VERY nice teaching afternoon. The homemade cake energy was off the charts!”
Some previous JumpDay activities have included pasta making, wall-climbing and BBQ boats.
