Celtic culture, rich and vibrant, has left it’s mark on history, particularly through it’s art and designs. The intricate Celtic knots and distinctive calligraphy adorning many historical manuscripts stand as iconic symbols of this ancient culture. These artistic expressions are not merely decorative; they are profound representations of Celtic beliefs, values, and social structures. Let’s explore the fascinating world of Celtic art and later what led to calligraphy, delving into their origins, meanings, and enduring legacy. But first, who were they?
Who Were the Celts?
The Celts (called the Gauls by the Romans and Keltoi by the Greeks) were a diverse group of tribal peoples who inhabited much of Europe during the Iron Age (600BC) to the early medieval periods (500AD-1500AD). Originating in Central Europe, they expanded across regions including present-day France, the British Isles, and Spain. The Celts shared common languages, artistic styles, and religious practices. They were renowned for their warrior culture, exquisite metalwork, and rich oral traditions. Their influence remains particularly evident in the British Isles, where their cultural legacy endures to this day in modern day Ireland, Scotland, France and Wales (Dark green areas in the map above).
What are the Celtic Calligraphy Scripts?
Celtic calligraphy can mostly be described as Insular script, of which there are many subtypes. Insular script was heavily inspired by Uncial and Half-Uncial and are obviously visually similar. Since the Celts were known for their oral history, it wasn’t until around 600AD in what would much later become the British Isles, that the written tradition emerged in Irish monasteries.
What Visually Defines Celtic Calligraphy?
There are 3 main characteristics that define Celtic calligraphy:
1. The Calligraphy Scripts
Celtic scripts are formed using a broad-edged pen, creating letters with varying stroke thicknesses. As mentioned before, the 2 main scripts that were used in this place and time were Insular and it’s predecessors Uncial and Half-Uncial.
Uncial features rounded shapes with thick strokes and thin secondary strokes, giving the letters their unique appearance. The script “Insular” as a name is Latin for “of the islands”, since it originated from Ireland and spread though England and much of Europe through Irish Christianity. Insular has a sharper style with more corners and flat tops to its letters. Half-Uncial is somewhere between Uncial and Insular.
2. Knotwork (as Abstract Flourishes)
A hallmark of Celtic art is its intricate knotwork. These knots, which can range from simple to complex, often fill the spaces around the text or serve as abstract decorative embellishments. Each strand in a knot maintains a uniform width, resembling a woven pattern. These endless loops, with no beginning or end, are said to symbolize eternity and the interconnectedness of life. Below are 6 types of knotwork, but it can be applied to almost all shapes and spaces.
1. Triquetra (Trinity Knot)
This three-cornered knot is often linked to the Christian Holy Trinity concept (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). However, its origins predate Christianity, symbolizing life’s many triple aspects: life, death and rebirth, earth, sky and sea, and past present and future.
2. Spiral Knots (Triskele)
Spirals, prevalent in Celtic art, are thought to represent life’s natural rhythms—birth, growth, and death. The triple spiral, or triskele, holds particular significance, symbolizing land, sea, and sky or the three realms of Celtic cosmology.
3. Love Knot (Celtic Heart)
Typically composed of two intertwined loops or hearts, these knots represent eternal love and friendship. They were often exchanged as tokens of affection.
4. Sailor’s Knot
The Sailor’s Knot is a symbol of strength, loyalty, and connection, commonly associated with maritime traditions. Its interwoven loops represent the unbreakable bonds formed by sailors at sea, often symbolizing love, friendship, or eternal commitment.
5. Dara Knot (Oak Knot)
The Dara Knot is a Celtic symbol that represents strength, resilience, and wisdom, often associated with the roots of the oak tree. Its intricate, interlacing design evokes the powerful grounding and enduring nature of the tree’s roots, symbolizing inner strength in times of adversity.
6. Solomon’s Knot
The Solomon’s Knot is an ancient symbol found across various cultures, representing eternity, unity, and interconnectedness. Its design, featuring interwoven loops with no clear beginning or end, symbolizes the infinite nature of life and the cyclical patterns of existence.
3. Illuminated Letters
In Celtic calligraphy, the beginning of paragraphs or sections often showcases large, decorative initials (like modern day drop caps) that are known as illuminated letters. These letters are adorned with elaborate designs and knotwork, frequently embellished with bright colors and gold leaf.
The calligraphy scripts, knotwork and illuminated letters can all be found in the following ancient manuscripts:
Book of Kells – Insular Majuscule – Circa 800 AD
Book of Durrow – Insular – Circa 700 AD
Book of Armagh – Insular – Circa 800 AD
How to do Celtic Calligraphy
First: Gather Calligraphy Tools
A Broad Edge / Blackletter Tool
Since Celtic calligraphy styles utilize a broad edge tool, it is my recommendation is that you should probably get one. My recommendation, of which I have it’s own post reviewing it is: The Pilot Parallel. It provides the best beginner learning experience, due to its ease of use. Instead of dipping inks, the pen has a cartridge that flows effortlessly. I have tried many other broad edge pens since, and it still is the easiest to use and the most satisfying to write with.
- Buy Pilot Parallel (6mm) – Recommended
- Buy Pilot Parallel Set (1.8mm, 2.4mm 3.8mm and 6mm): Full Set
1. Paper
You’ll need paper to write your calligraphy on, and maybe print off some practice sheets. The HP Premium 32 paper is the best paper for the least paper bleeding.
2. Ink
The Pilot Parallel comes with 2 ink cartridges, so you will need additional ink if you want to keep practicing. There are two main options: Pilot Parallel refill cartridges (good if you are just starting calligraphy), or Ecoline Liquid watercolour (More ink, better value, more colours)
- Pilot Parallel Refills – (Best for Beginners)
- Ecoline Liquid Watercolour – (Bulk ink with more colours)
3. Master Class Practice Sheets
Structured practice is the best and quickest way to be successful. I have 2 Celtic Calligraphy practice sheet sets: The classic Blackletter Uncial and Pointed Pen Uncial. Pointed pen uncial is writing in the style of uncial but with a completely different tool: the pointed pen. I have a blogpost on Uncial Pointed Pen here. Additionally, I have both the uncial sheet sets in a bundle (at a better price!).
Second, Practice your First Strokes
Using a broad edge pen (or pencil), and keeping your pen angle consistent, try making strokes in different directions. You should see that when you keep pen angle the same, but make strokes in different directions, stroke thickness changes. See the image below:
Like any broad edge calligraphy, you must keep you pen at the specified angle, and for Uncial its 35 degrees. With the pen at that angle, try copying “Uncial” below:
Third, Get Some Free Practice Sheets
While its not Celtic calligraphy, you can download my simple gothic sheets to get some blackletter practice in. To download a FREE simple Gothic practice sheet head over to my practice sheet post here: Gothic Practice Sheets
That’s all for now, thanks for reading until the end and as always, let me know if there are anything I missed or got wrong, let me know with a comment!
-Rich
Looking for More?
Check out some very helpful beginner starting posts here:
- My Recommended Calligraphy Tools – All tools for all styles
- Learn Calligraphy Online Free – Dip your toe in the water that is calligraphy
- Complete Beginners Guide – If you have no idea where to start
- Learn Calligraphy Roadmap – Look at different calligraphy styles to pick from
- Guide to Calligraphy Tools & Scripts – Shows which tool makes which style