Trusting a calligrapher to write your very special poem

The poems I write in calligraphy are wedding day gifts, anniversary presents or special words to celebrate milestones and moments in life. They mean the world to the people who send them to me. It’s an honour to be trusted to create a special piece of calligraphy art and I treat the entire process with respect and care.

All of my calligraphy poem commissions are written and illustrated entirely by hand. This poem was written by the loveliest man, in love with his partner and soaking in the atmosphere of Venice on a romantic trip to Italy. Parchment effect paper | Leonard EF Principal nib | Japanese sumi ink | Winsor & Newton gouache paint

I’ve been writing calligraphy poem commissions since 2005. These special gifts have been sent around the world, with many of my customers in the US, across Europe and as far as Australia.

This calligraphy commission was a dream to write: from the parents of the groom to his new wife on their wedding day, welcoming her into the family. Nikko G nib | 23 carat gold leaf | Sumi ink | designer’s gouache paint

The poems I write out in calligraphy are written from the heart - I know you’ve very carefully chosen every word. I understand the time and love that goes into writing a bespoke poem for a special occasion. Your beautiful creativity deserves all the care and attention I can give.

So when you contact me about a calligraphy poem, I will listen to your ideas. Nothing is more important.

If you have a favourite flower you’d like me to include, or perhaps clear ideas on style and spacing, we will design your calligraphy commission around those.

I have examples and galleries in the calligraphy poems section of my website to help inspire and guide you.

You are welcome to use these to show me the style of calligraphy you love most, as well as colour and illustrations.

I adore the process of applying my 23 carat gold leaf to calligraphy commissions. It always elevates the final piece.

Calligraphy commission for a christening | handwritten in modern flourished script with a simple watercolour delphinium in blue - the birth flower for July. Nikko G nib | Japanese sumi ink | gouache paint | Daler Rowney art paper | By Moon & Tide Calligraphy UK

Hiring a UK poem calligrapher and trusting the process

Please try not to worry when you reach out for the first time. Commissioning a calligrapher to write a poem isn’t something we do every day, and I understand that!

I’ve been a calligrapher for over 20 years, so I’m used to asking all the right questions by email, to come up with the perfect design for your calligraphy poem.

If you have lots of design ideas, or none at all - it’s fine. We’ll design something that’s just right for you!

A favourite poem from over a decade ago: A Red, Red Rose by Burns | handwritten in gothic calligraphy by Claire at By Moon & Tide Calligraphy UK and illustrated with a single red rose and leaf illustration with 23 carat gold leaf.

How long do calligraphy poems take to write?

Once I have all of your details and we’ve agreed on the design, calligraphy style, colours and illustration, I will usually begin writing your calligraphy poem commission the following week.

I will always work towards birthdays and anniversaries so please, if you need your calligraphy poem for a specific date, let me know and I can make sure you have it in plenty of time.

Framing adds 1 - 2 weeks to the process, so please allow a little extra time if you’d like me to frame your poem.

If you’re already a bit late (it’s often the case, and it’s fine!) I can tell you what size your poem will be before I send it, so you can buy a frame. I’m always happy to work to popular frame sizes so you’ll easily find a frame on the high street to fit your calligraphy poem - just let me know if you’d like me to do this.

You can trust me not to make calligraphy mistakes

With 20 years of writing calligraphy poems under my belt, I am exceptionally careful not to make mistakes.

I proof read every poem commission three times, checking for spellings, missing apostrophes or capital letters - even if there’s a dot missing from an ‘i’ or a full stop at the end of a line - I’ll spot it, I’ll fix it, and your poem will be flawless when it arrives with you.

I am one of those grammar and spelling people who take far too much enjoyment from correctly placed apostrophes, semi-colons and the creative use of commas and hyphens. Your grammar is safe with me.

Kirsty’s mum wrote her a bespoke poem to read on her wedding day. A couple of years ago, I’d written a similar calligraphy commission for her sister Claire. It was a pleasure to be trusted again to write this second poem in calligraphy.

Claire’s calligraphy poem commission written in 2021

Pricing for calligraphy poem commissions

Most of the calligraphy poems I write for people are between £75 and £400. The price depends how long the poem is (in words), which style of calligraphy you choose, and how much illustration and gilding you’d like.

You can see full prices for calligraphy poems here.

Enquire about your own poem in calligraphy

I like to make the process friendly, and simple. To start, please email me:

• the poem or text you would like written
• the occasion for the gift, and the date you’ll need it by
• any ideas or references for colours or style

From there I can suggest layout ideas, paper colours and finishing touches. We’ll chat through everything on email (so it’s in writing) and when you’re happy, I’ll write your beautiful poem in calligraphy!