01Foundations
What is calligraphy?
Calligraphy is not simply neat writing. It is writing shaped by rhythm, pressure, proportion, space and intention.
Read articleArticles · visual notes · videos
Learn the thinking behind the work.
A growing deposit of short, visual articles on Arabic calligraphy, handwriting, tools, materials, white space and the search for belonging through visual language.
Article deposit
First entries in the library.
Each card opens as a short article. The format is intentionally succinct and visual, with space for video or source links where they genuinely enrich the piece.
02Identity
Why your handwriting still matters
Your handwriting is a personal trace. Even imperfect writing carries memory, movement and a particular human presence.
Read article03Practice
Talent, hard work and the trained hand
Talent may open a door, but attention, repetition and discipline shape the hand. Calligraphy rewards patience.
Read article04Tools
Parallel pens: the accessible serious tool
Parallel pens make thick and thin movement visible quickly, but they are not a shortcut. Angle and rhythm still matter.
Read article05Materials
Watercolour, ink and the moving page
Watercolour brings breath, bleed and softness. Script brings structure. The artwork lives between control and release.
Read article06Philosophy
White space, flying space and the breath of the letter
The spaces around and inside letters are not empty. They are where the work breathes, moves and becomes alive.
Read article07Research
The QEII Script and British Muslim visual identity
A research-led story about Arabic Kufi, English Blackletter and the search for a visual language of belonging.
Read article08Artwork story
سلام Peace, when two words share one movement
A bilingual artwork story about the English Peace and Arabic سلام finding one shared movement through the P and م.
Read article09Artwork story
The Tree of Love and the spaces that let meaning breathe
A collectable artwork story about love, rhythm and the living spaces between calligraphic forms.
Read article10Archive
A Dubai exhibition proof point
A verified international exhibition reference from a Dubai Ramadan contemporary Islamic art show.
Read article11News archive
MACFEST Muslim Arts Awards judge panel
An authority record for Richard’s MACFEST Muslim Arts Awards judging role across 2025 and 2026.
Read article12Exhibition
Washington DC exhibition, 2009
An early international exhibition in Washington DC, part of Richard’s developing public practice from 2009.
Read article13Profile archive
Muslim Museum UK artist profile
A source-backed profile that helps anchor Richard’s British Muslim artist story, the QEII Script and the Love Actually exhibition.
Read article14Exhibitions
Discovery and ISOC Newcastle exhibitions
A Newcastle exhibition and community arts thread connected with Discovery and ISOC activity across Richard’s 2010 to 2019 period.
Read article15Exhibition
Grainger Market Newcastle exhibition
A Newcastle public-space exhibition placing Arabic calligraphy inside the historic Grainger Market.
Read article16Public art
Newcastle City Library calligraphy activity
A 2010 Newcastle City Library archive entry connected with live Arabic name calligraphy and community cultural work.
Read article17Exhibition
Olympic exhibition
An Olympic exhibition entry within Richard’s wider public exhibition history.
Read article18Press archive
The Scribe article
A specialist calligraphy and lettering press entry in The Scribe, part of Richard’s written and published archive.
Read articleCommercial purpose
Useful content, not heavy essays.
The Learn library should make the Studio feel generous, serious and credible, then gently lead the right visitor towards a talk, workshop, artwork enquiry or licensing conversation.
- Succinct article content
- One strong visual or process image
- Optional video or source links
- Careful source-led claims
Evidence control
Built to grow safely.
- This is a growing article and blog deposit, not a finished set.
- Some articles can include video, research or archive links when the source is suitable.
- Facebook archive images will be shortlisted privately before any public use.