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.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to the National Art Library
• (00:01:47) - Exploring the Collections of the National Art Library
• (00:02:31) - The Role of a Curator in Manuscript Collections
• (00:03:19) - Handling Manuscripts: Myths and Best Practices
• (00:05:02) - Illuminated Manuscripts: History and Techniques
• (00:07:18) - The Evolution of Manuscript Production
• (00:09:38) - Tools and Materials Used in Manuscript Creation
• (00:12:45) - Understanding Manuscript Navigation and Decoration
• (00:15:44) - The Functionality of Manuscripts in Historical Context
• (00:21:01) - The Art of Parchment Making
• (00:23:32) - Ink and Pigments: The Colors of Manuscripts
• (00:26:45) - Fragmented Illuminations: The Value of Manuscript Cuttings
• (00:34:22) - Accessing Medieval Manuscripts: Resources and Collections
• (00:40:47) - The Community Aspect of Manuscript Culture

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.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Calligraphy and Maiden September
• (00:09:38) - Creating Calligraphy at Live Events
• (00:17:47) - Engraving Techniques and Challenges
• (00:19:30) - The Calligraphers of Color Community
• (00:32:07) - Launching Beyond the Nib Course

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.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Flourish Club
• (00:02:07) - Robert's Creative Journey and Background
• (00:08:54) - Exploring Flourishing in Lettering
• (00:15:04) - The Importance of Structure in Creativity
• (00:21:59) - Building a Community through Workshops
• (00:25:58) - Courses and Resources for Flourishing
• (00:28:02) - Exploring Lettering Techniques and Styles

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

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, 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)

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 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.

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.