In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Catherine Yvard, curator at the National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum, about the rich history and significance of manuscript illumination and Gothic sculpture. They explore the vast collections of the library, the role of a curator, the tools and materials used in manuscript creation, and the fascinating world of manuscript cuttings. Catherine busts mysths and shares insights into the evolution of manuscripts, their artistic value, and how they can inspire contemporary artists and calligraphers. The conversation also highlights the accessibility of these historical artifacts and the importance of community in sharing knowledge about manuscripts.  To find out more about the National Art Library at the V&A please visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/national-art-library  On manuscript cuttings, see here: About the Fragmented Illuminations display | V&A. May also be of interest: ASMR at the museum | Turning the pages of a medieval choirbook | V&A ----- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Marie Coleman-Johns, a calligrapher and live event artist. They discuss Marie's journey into calligraphy, the evolution of her style, and her experiences with live events. Marie shares insights into the challenges of engraving and the importance of community and diversity within the calligraphy world. They touch on the mindful benefits of calligraphy as a way of reducing overwhelm, and discuss how the art form helps ease challenges with ADHD. Additionally, she introduces her new course, Beyond the Nib, aimed at helping calligraphers and live event artists grow their businesses through effective marketing strategies. To find out more about Marie: Find here @MaidenSeptember on Instagram, visit www.maidenseptember.com, or connect on linkedin.com/in/mariecoleman.  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Robert Bree, a lettering artist and graphic designer based in Munich, Germany. They discuss the Flourish Club, a community for those passionate about flourishing in lettering and calligraphy. Robert shares his creative journey, the importance of learning foundational skills in lettering, and the various tools and techniques he uses. The conversation also highlights the significance of community and collaboration in the creative arts, as well as the courses and workshops offered by the Flourish Club. To find out more about Robert:  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Sophie Reynolds, Head of Collections, Interpretation and Engagement, at Jane Austen's house, about the life and works of Jane Austen. They explore Austen's early writing, her journey to becoming a celebrated author, and the impact of her novels on literature and society. The conversation delves into Austen's writing process, the materials she used, and the art of letter writing during her time. They also discuss the celebrations surrounding Austen's 250th birthday and her enduring legacy in the literary world. Find out more about Jane Austen's House: Visit https://janeaustens.house/ Follow @janeaustenshouse If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Liane Barker, a pioneering sign writer and gold leaf specialist with over 43 years of experience. Liane shares the story of her family's business, Barker Signs, established in 1964 by her father, Maurie Barker. She discusses her journey into the male-dominated field of sign writing, the evolution of the craft with the advent of digital technology, and the importance of traditional techniques. Liane also highlights the environmental impact of modern signage, her notable projects, and her passion for teaching the next generation of sign writers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community and collaboration in the art of sign writing, as well as the legacy of craftsmanship that continues to inspire artists today. Find out more about Liane and her courses: Visit Barker Signs or connect on Instagram @barker_signs and @masteringtheartofsignwriting. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Athena Cauley-Yu, founder of Meticulous Ink, a letterpress and fine stationery business. They discuss Athena's journey into the world of stationery, the intricacies of letterpress printing, and the various workshops and community events she hosts. Athena shares her passion for creativity, the importance of collaboration, and her upcoming On Paper Festival, which celebrates the art of paper and printmaking. To find out more about Athena, visit meticulousink.com, follow and connect with her: insta & Tiktok: @meticulousink YouTube: @MeticulousInkFineStationery Facebook: @meticulousink

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, Laura Edralin speaks with Jason Sandy, an American architect and mudlark in London. They explore the fascinating world of mudlarking, where the River Thames reveals its historical treasures at low tide. Jason shares his personal journey into mudlarking, the community of fellow mudlarks, and the incredible artifacts he has discovered, including Roman coins, tokens from the Great Fire of London, and shares the fascinating story of the historic Dove typeface created by Emery Walker and T.J. Cobden-Sanderson. The conversation delves into the history of the Thames, the significance of the artifacts found, and the stories behind them, culminating in discussions about exhibitions and the future of mudlarking. Images to accompany the episode can be found here. To find out more about Jason, follow and connect with him on Instagram @jasonmudlark  Jason's books are available on Amazon (these are affliate links): Mudlarks: Treasures from the Thames Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures Secrets of the Thames Exhbition (May 2025-2026)

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Kestrel Montes, a prominent figure in the calligraphy community. Kestrel shares her late discovery of calligraphy, her journey from a laser engraving business to becoming a calligraphy educator and product innovator. The conversation explores the balance of traditional and modern calligraphy, the importance of foundational skills, and the innovative products Kestrel has developed to support calligraphers. They also discuss the future of calligraphy and the personal growth that comes with learning new styles. To find out more about Kestrel Visit inkmethis.com (boutique and services) and learncalligraphy.com (classes) Or connect with her at kestrel@inkmethis.com or on Instagram @inkmethis

In this episode, producer, Heidi and host, Laura, reflect on the success of Season One of the Life of Letters podcast, expressing gratitude to listeners and guests. They share their excitement for Season Two, which will focus on community themes and feature a diverse range of guests. The conversation highlights memorable moments and stories from Season One, showcasing the unique journeys of various guests in the world of lettering and calligraphy. More about the podcast can be found here | Follow on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast. For more about Laura visit lauraletterslife.com or connect with her directly @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with award-winning lettering artist Dan Foster. They explore Dan's journey into the world of lettering, influenced by his father's legacy, his passion for typography, and the evolution of his artistic style. The conversation delves into the historical roots of lettering, the impact of modern technology like AI, and the future of the craft. Dan shares insights into his creative process, personal projects, and the importance of storytelling in design. To find out more about Dan: Visit: danforster.com  Or connect with him on Instagram at @danforster For the book Dan recommends "Lettersforms" by Timothy Samara, you can find it here on Amazon (this is an affliate link which will give a small commission back to Laura). If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Look out for the next series, coming soon!

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, Laura Edralin engages with Lucy Gibbon, an archivist from Orkney, to explore the fascinating world of archival work and paleography. They discuss the history and significance of the Orkney Archives, the challenges of deciphering historical scripts, and the collaborative efforts of volunteers in uncovering hidden stories from the past. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving history through written documents and the evolving nature of language and script over time. To find out more about the Orkney Archives and Library: Visit: https://orkneyarchive.blogspot.com/; https://orkneylibrary.org.uk/   Or connect with Lucy and her team on archives@orkney.gov.uk  / 01856 873166 To find out more about the Looking in from the Edge "LIFTE" Project visit: https://archaeologyorkney.com/lifte/ If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Look out for the next series, coming soon!

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with calligrapher Susie Leiper about her journey into the world of calligraphy and painting. They discuss the intersection of these two art forms, the various styles of calligraphy, and the challenges and joys of working on both large and small projects. Susie shares her experiences with significant projects like the St. John's Bible and her involvement with calligraphy societies, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in the art community. The conversation also touches on Susie's current projects and her passion for teaching and sharing her craft. As a calligrapher and painter, Susie Leiper works on everything from monumental walls and canvases to small tablets and artist books. Her secretary hand calligraphy features on all four Royal Bank of Scotland polymer banknotes and her work is held in many national and international collections. Susie is a member of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SSI) and the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society (CLAS). To find out more about Susie: Visit: www.susieleiper.com  Or connect with her on Instagram @susieleiper To find out more about the society's mentioned in today's episode, visit: Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SSI) Calligraphy Lettering Arts Society (CLAS) If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Look out for the next series, coming soon!

*WARNING: In this episode we discuss themes of suicide and violent behaviour. If you need to, please take care of yourself, whether that means listening when you feel ready, skipping certain parts or reaching out for support. In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin engages with graphologist Tracey Trussell to explore the fascinating world of handwriting analysis. They discuss the principles of graphology, how handwriting reflects personality traits, and the emotional insights that can be gained from analyzing written samples. Tracey shares compelling stories from her practice, illustrating the profound impact of handwriting on personal understanding and relationships. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining handwriting skills in a digital age and concludes with a practical analysis of Laura's and Jane Austen's handwriting samples, revealing insights into their characters and emotional states. To find out more about Tracey - and to purchase a signed copy of her book ‘Life Lines’, visit: www.handright.co.uk/ or connect with Tracey on Instagram @traceytrussell. You can also find Tracey's book "Life Lines" here on Amazon (this is an affliate link which will give a small commission back to Laura).  Things mentioned in today's episode: British Institute of Graphologists Images of Handwriting samples Healthline Article, Writing Benefits on Health, 17 Jul 2023 Study: Jama Network Open, 14 Jul 2023 Guardian Article: Adrian Chiles Writing Pen to Paper After 35 Years, 15 Jan 2025 Guardian Article: Losing the Ability to Write By Hand, 21 Jan 2025 If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with award-winning calligrapher Ruh Al-Alam about his journey from London to Dubai, his passion for Arabic calligraphy, and the innovative ways he blends traditional techniques with modern digital tools. Ruh shares insights into his creative process, the significance of calligraphy in cultural contexts, and the importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of calligraphy in the digital age and the future possibilities for this art form. To find out more about Ruh: Visit: RuhAl-Alam.com & Archetype.xyz Or connect with him on Instagram at @ruhalalam If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Look out for the next series, coming soon!

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Sylvia Wong, a Toronto-based calligraphy artist and digital marketing director. They discuss Sylvia's journey into calligraphy, the creation of her viral project, the Just Married Jacket, and her experiences in teaching and community building. Sylvia shares insights on balancing her calligraphy business with her full-time job, navigating pricing and value in the art world, and the future of calligraphy in an increasingly digital landscape. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal connection in art and the unique experiences that calligraphy can offer.  To find out more about Sylvia: Visit: viacalligraphy.com  Or connect with her on Instagram at @viacalligraphy If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Look out for the next series, coming soon!

In this short introduction of the Life of Letters podcast, producer Heidi Cullip talks to host Laura Edralin about her journey into the world of calligraphy, discussing how it has positively impacted her mental health and personal growth. She emphasises the importance of mindfulness and creativity in her life and expresses a desire to explore the broader world of lettering and its history. The conversation highlights the therapeutic benefits of calligraphy and the community surrounding it, as well as the exciting future of the podcast.

SEASON 1 LAUNCHING 4 MARCH 2025! Host, Laura Edralin explains what the podcast is about and who it is for. Find out who she'll be speaking to in the first season of the podcast coming Tuesday 4 March.