Mark Lurz

Class capacity: 10

Registration opens: March 1, 2021 Early bird deadline: March 22, 2021 Registration closes: April 15, 2021
For more information, please review Program Policies and Information and Payment Information. To register for a course on or after the Open Date, please complete our Registration Form at the bottom of this page.

In the 1480’s most of the printed books were not set in the traditional Gothic Textura typeface.The more legible Schwabacher became the preferred type. In 1515, a new Fraktur typeface was used for the pre-eminent book, “Triumphal Arch” for Maximilian I of the Roman Empire, residing in Vienna. Fraktur was pioneered by the Benedictine monk Leonhard Wagner in his scribe sample book, “Proba Centum Scriptorum”.

In 1538 there is also another published book by the scribe master Johann Neudörffer, which established Fraktur in the German speaking countries, until the middle of the last century.

In fact, in the 1950’s many school text books in Switzerland were still set in Fraktur type. This may explain Mark’s love and understanding of Gothic scripts.

Of all Gothic scripts, the Fraktur script is light in appearance and easiest to write. The beautiful capital letters lend themselves for embellishment with flourishes similar to the sinuous, organic line characteristics of the 19^th century Art Nouveau period.

In this course we will learn the basic Fraktur letters, their capitals and numerals plus the historic background of Gothic scripts will be included. Layout and homework tasks will be an important part of this course so that the Fraktur script and other Gothic scripts can be incorporated into contemporary design and art projects.

Mark Lurz was introduced to his first calligraphy classes at the Arts & Craft School  in Basel, Switzerland. Although writing with pen and ink was his true passion, it remained secondary to his career in the printing industry here in Canada.

For close to 40 years he worked as a colour retoucher, mastering the use of fine brushes – a skill that is evident in his detailed execution of historic and contemporary scripts. He is know for his expertise with Gothic Scripts.

Mark is a founding member of the Calligraphic Arts Guild of Toronto and has taught calligraphy since 1976. In the role of scribe, he has worked on several films and taught actors to write with pen and ink. He was recently commissioned to letter the title page for  “Great War Book of Remembrance” for the city of Toronto and enjoys all aspects of design including his annual Christmas cards.

Mark’s love of the outdoors, especially collecting long horn beetles, influences his artwork.

Students are expected to bring a basic calligraphy kit with table covering and;

Pilot Parallel pen 2.4mm
Mitchell nib no. 2 or equivalent nib size (2mm)
Rhodia paper pad, 5mm square ruled
Ink and Gouache
You can purchase these materials in class.
Mark can also help you with specific papers

TBD

Members and Friends: $ Early Bird Rate $
Non-Members: $ Early Bird Rate $

Class supplies: Students bring $ payable to instructor

Studio A2

Neilson Park Creative Centre (NPCC)
56 Neilson Drive
Etobicoke ON
M9C 1V7
neilsonparkcreativecentre.com
416-622-5294