Peter Lloyd
Artwork for Peter Lloyd
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
My calligraphy is very varied in style, often including gouache illustrations. I especially enjoy creating illuminated pieces using gold leaf, inks, paints, crayons and pastels. I love to create bespoke commissions, where clients are always involved through the design and production process to ensure that they are truly happy with the final commission. This is usually done through emails, but clients are also very welcome to visit me in person by appointment. I am thrilled to say that commissions have been produced for people all over the world. When I have an opportunity, I enjoy experimenting with different techniques and developing my own scripts.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
It is immensely satisfying to be a calligrapher and artist. Working in The Pigsty Studio is liberating, having the freedom to create from the heart, to take inspiration from the natural world around me is a wonderful. I also design many bespoke commissions which is extremely rewarding. I consider it a privilege to work with every client, to include their thoughts and ideas throughout the creative process, to produce a piece which will be treasured. What could be more rewarding than seeing a clients reaction of pleasure and delight.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Proudly born and bred in Kington Herefordshire, I am passionate about calligraphy and illustration. I am a professional calligrapher/artist of almost forty years experience. It is a delight to work from my studio in the original brick-built pigsty at the rear of our cottage. No surprise that I decided to be known as 'The Pigsty Studio'.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I am totally fulfilled when teaching calligraphy. It is such a joy to pass on these ancient skills, to keep this wonderful art alive. It is a pleasure to encourage and lead each student though their personal learning journey. The reward of witnessing their progress and delight in achieving is wonderful.
I am currently teaching recreational classes at Hereford College on Tuesday evenings in term time. I have a local long standing group called Kidderminster Scribblers and also lead workshops for other calligraphy groups up, down and across the country. This year I will be teaching in Gloucester, North Yorkshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, South Wales, Staffordshire and at other venues too. I will update this page when workshop dates become available for Leominster Priory and Hereford Cathedral.
Anyone interested in learning calligraphy is very welcome to contact me. I had a regular uptake for lessons based at my cottage prior to the pandemic and have recently started taking bookings again. Most recently a delightful gentleman who travelled from Germany to spend a day with me whilst visiting friends locally.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I am a self-taught calligrapher much to the amazement of Society of Scribes and Illuminators and Calligraphy, Lettering and Arts Society fellows who didn't think this possible when I attended the SSI three years ATS training scheme a few years ago.
I delight in continuing to develop and master the many areas of script designs and layout. I enjoy experimenting with making inks from natural resources following the practices of Medieval scribes and learning more about using quill pens and the craft of quill making. When teaching, I am always learning through the discussion and cocktail of ideas and approaches of others at all levels. It is also important to study through primary sources, referencing original documents and I am considering working towards my SSI Fellowship over the next couple of years.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
I was selected to exhibit as part of The Society of Scribes and Illuminators Centenary Exhibition. This started in The Mall Gallery in London and then visited Stockport and Swansea. l was thrilled to sell two pieces of work.
I exhibited with ArtWorcs at a variety of venues such as Worcester Cathedral, Hanbury Hall and Hartlebury Castle.
A few of my exhibitions this year include:
The Corn Hall in Cirencester - I usually attend on the first Saturday of every month.
The Burton Hotel, Kington - Cloud 9 Calligraphy Exhibition - 1st April to 31st May.
Marches Makers, Kington - 3rd/4th May Bank Holiday (Come along to, 'Have-a-Go', or just watch me demonstrate)
Leominster Priory - Vikings at the Priory - 26th May to 22nd June; (Workshops to be advertised soon)
The Fold, Bransford, Worcester - Artisan Market - Sunday 2nd August 10:00 - 3:00 (more dates to follow)
Hereford Cathedral - Hereford Medieval Fair - 15th/16th August - programme of my activities to follow.
h.Art - I will be exhibiting at Leominster Priory and Yew Tree Collective, Huntington. I will be demonstrating and offering 'Have-a-Go' Calligraphy Sessions - dates and details for these drop in sessions to be confirmed. There is also the possibility of pre-booked workshops, watch this space! All are most welcome. The Marches Scribes also have their annual Calligraphy Exhibition at The Lion Ballroom in Leominster during h.Art Week.
The Discovery Centre, Craven Arms - Marches Scribes Exhibition - 16th October to 24th October.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
I exhibit monthly at the Corn Hall Art Market in Cirencester and have a permanent display at Jinney Ring Craft Cafe. I am looking to display my work at new locations during 2026.
People are welcome to visit me at The Pigsty Studio - by appointment.