They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Words hold more meaning than the words themselves, and in the form of a calligraphy commission they can bring joy, spark a smile, ignite strength and resilience and hope.

So here's a quote from American politics, without actually mentioning American politics. A version, adapted, of Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" speech, which I was asked to write in calligraphy as a gift for Brie some months ago.

The original wording:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

I rather like this version's reference to a strong woman. 

This piece was commissioned and written for Brie in a modern calligraphy style with subtle flourishing, with a simple frame, gallery quality acrylic glazing and no mount. 

During the quieter months of the year, writing poems and quotes in calligraphy is a wonderful side of my work as a calligrapher. 

Prices for calligraphy extracts and poems

My starting price is £75 for a poem of up to 75 words, without a frame.

Little extras can be added if you have a little more in your budget: gold leaf for example, or a floral border illustration.

Longer poems will cost more, because they take more time to write. Here’s a little breakdown of my current prices for calligraphy only, unframed (but I would always encourage those extra little touches like gilding and illustrations to add interest and colour!)

41 – 75 words in calligraphy £75

76 – 100 words in calligraphy £120

101 – 150 words in calligraphy £180

151 – 200 words in calligraphy £250

+ single letter in 23 carat gold leaf £15

+ border illustration £40 (more if it’s very detailed and will take longer than 2 hours to illustrate)

I can frame your calligraphy commission, and I’m happy to chat with you about framing options and styles. The price for this depends on the frame you choose, and the size of your calligraphy! 

Shorter quotes and phrases in calligraphy are also available in my online shop. Prices start from £35.