17th Century Scots Letter Writing

At our free in-person, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use goose quill and ink to write, fold and wax seal your very own 17th-century-style Scots letter. You’ll practise recreating historical handwriting and experience the languages of older Scotland as we journey back over four hundred years in the past to meet Marie Stewart, Countess of Mar and her kinfolk.

17th Century Scots Letter Writing, Saturday 26th November 2022, 1pm to 3.30pm, GWL, Free, 16+, Women* only

In the 21st century, digital messaging methods have almost wholly displaced handwritten letters, which are now regarded as quaint anachronisms. Yet until recently, letters were an essential communicatory tool, used to exchange news and information worldwide. Letter-writers like Lady Mar developed highly skilled techniques to convey meaning, not only through words but through their choice of paper, handwriting style and page layout. Even the way a letter was folded and sealed with wax could be used to send a visual message to those who handled it. We are similarly aware of the importance of visual communication today as we debate whether three kisses ‘xxx’ or an emoji ☺ will provoke the response we desire.

Together we’ll learn more about Lady Mar’s stunning letters, preserved with hundreds of other fascinating historical documents in Edinburgh’s National Archives and accessible via public membership of the National Library of Scotland. Discover women’s voices of the past through these beautiful handwritten documents and learn how to create your own unique letter. 

www.nls.uk

www.nrscotland.gov.uk

This is one of our ‘Take Part’ events this autumn! (‘Attend’ events mean you can listen or look in and enjoy the event with no pressure to join in, though there will likely be opportunities to chat too! ‘Take Part’ events involve a bit more activity or participation on your part, you are of course still welcome to do so as little or as much as you would like to.)

Booking

Please note that this event has now sold out.  If you’d like to be on the waiting list please email info@womenslibrary.org.uk.

The event is free and for women only* (16+). To attend, please book below and we will share an email invitation with you.  If you would like to make a donation to Glasgow Women’s Library, you can do so here.

*All women-only events are inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women.

Accessibility

Glasgow Women’s Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the Mezzanine Floor. We have accessible toilets and all the bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available.

Find more information on Accessibility at GWL or contact us and we will be very happy to offer assistance.