Calligraphy in the Book of Kells

The neat hand used to transcribe the bible text into the Book of Kells is a beautiful example of the skill of the medieval scribe. We look at some of the basic skills required to form the individual letters used in the Book of Kells. We also take two of the basic motifs, spirals and interlace, and show how to start building a design of the type that proliferated throughout the manuscript.

In the next step, we will be asking you to try some simple calligraphy and share it with other learners.