I am a traditional calligrapher specialising in a fusion of Celtic and contemporary lettering.

Following a lifelong passion for lettering, I began to seriously develop my calligraphy in 2009 when I lived in a Cistercian monastery. Since ancient, Celtic manuscripts are my main source of inspiration, I have developed a niche market for producing plainsong and other devotional manuscripts for display in private homes, chapels and churches within the UK, the USA and across the world. Most of my work includes a delicate fusion of old and new, inspired by ancient manuscripts yet also containing something of a contemporary footprint.

Every aspect of the manuscript is thoughtfully considered, from the initial design and size of script, to the placement of decoration. Each and every commission is entirely hand-lettered using historic inks and steel nibs and decorated with rich gilding. I choose ink recipes and archival cotton paper designed to stand the test of time, meaning that my manuscripts can be treasured in the future as well as in the present, and handed down for generations to come.

Inspired by my larger commissions, I’ve developed a collection of beautiful greetings cards, each and every one individually hand-lettered to order.

I have always been fascinated by how letters alone can form a work of art. My decoration is therefore usually relatively uncomplicated and in the form of stylised shapes, so that the lettering can remain the beating heart of each manuscript.

I look forward to making something beautiful for your home or place of worship.

Ste Duckett