Gatherings
A Charleston Gathering Over Calligraphy and Croissants
Laura Hooper is spreading the ancient art of calligraphy by passionately teaching workshops across the globe. Not only is she sharing this lost art and her brilliant skills with excited attendees, but she is doing so at...
Laura Hooper is spreading the ancient art of calligraphy by passionately teaching workshops across the globe. Not only is she sharing this lost art and her brilliant skills with excited attendees, but she is doing so at spectacular venues. One of her recent workshops was held at the very special RiverOaks Charleston. Marianne, the owner, couldn't be sweeter, and the RiverOaks setting emenates a true European charm and sophistication that his hard to find in the States. What's even more unique is that Marianne is a spectacular designer who can also assist with your event planning and design needs.
From Marianne, the Host at River Oaks Charleston
The written word is powerful for telling stories, sharing emotions and the passing down of history. All things that are central to the hearts of the ladies at RiverOaks, so when the opportunity to host a Laura Hooper Calligraphy arose, it seemed a natural fit. Lauren Jonas Photography was there to capture the decor, details and excited calligraphy attendees.
Style for your Venue Setting
The inspiration for the overall styling of the workshop began with understanding the history of calligraphy. Knowing the influence of the written word and how that impacts our lives today can not be understated. However, the beauty of one's penmanship has been nearly lost in modern times. Therefore, the styling details for the workshop by the RiverOaks team hopefully connected the attendee with being a part of beautifully continuing this practical art form.
Drawing from the tools used, the color of ink and the texture of paper used in ancient times the workshop atmosphere and story unfolded. India ink was originally the medium used by scribes prior to the invention of the printing press
RiverOaks used this blue-black ink color in the stripe table runners, slate boards and black rooster feathers and quills from the venue’s chickens. The idea of linen paper was brought in through the use of vintage french linens that were used on the European inspired food table and a soft fabric that created a canopy above the attendees.
Attendees were welcomed to their place setting with gold pumpkins personalized by Laura. The color gold reflected the metal nibs used today replacing quills and the pumpkins gave seasonal relevance in a subtle way.
Along with a welcome bag of supplies gifted to each student by Laura and put to use in the class the tedious lessons began under perfect skies.
Laura Hooper is an expert in her honed craft. Her willingness to patiently share penmanship lessons with others is a thread in the renewal of this nearly lost art threatened by the digital world.
All who came were inspired by Laura's encouraging instruction and the challenge that practice makes perfect.
The Venue
RiverOaks is a european-inspired venue with many outdoor spaces from which to choose to host this event, but the oyster shell terrace with views of the marsh and Wando river became the ideal location.
A Gathering over Calligraphy and Croissants
A community food table was laden with fresh cheese, autumn fruits, chocolate croissants and coffee.
Guests were sent home with homemade pumpkin breads sealed in bags from a German paper shop.
"The desire for beautiful handwriting had once again brought together the apprentice and the artist as it has since the beginning of the inscribed word." - RiverOaks Charleston
To attend on of Laura Hooper's FABULOUS workshops - see her schedule of dates and locations here.
Correspondents
Venue, Design, Styling: RiverOaks Charleston - Lauren Heuber, Jennigray Hewitt & Marianne Caldwell | Photography: Lauren Jonas | Calligraphy - Laura Hooper | Workshop Manager - Alyssa Law with LHC | Striped Runners - Pottery Barn | Chairs and Tablecloths- Snyder Events | Welcome and food table vintage linens and lace - Clin D'oeil Meunles and other French Brocantes and Flea Markets | Pumpkin bread bags from Stemplegrusse in Regensburg, Germany | European sourcing - Simone Gebsattel and Barrett Caldwell
