Judith Porch FSSI
Colleagues and learners of the Lifelong Learning Service are proud of their long standing and extremely talented Calligraphy tutor and Adult Community Learning Lead, Judith Porch. Judith was recently voted in as a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SSI). The Society of Scribes and Illuminators is the oldest and most prestigious Calligraphic Society in the UK (over 100 years old). Judith is now the 42nd Fellow worldwide and one of only 4 in Wales. The standard for attaining Fellowship is so high that Judith was the first to apply for 11 years.
Judith has worked towards Fellowship for many years and recently took her work to exhibit at the Art Workers Guild in London. All Fellows had the opportunity to study her work before voting to accept Judith into the prestigious Fellowship. Guidelines for the work were strict with one piece being ‘Unadorned lettering’ – plain lettering in black on white with no decoration. Judith created a beautiful panel on Burges the Architect who created both Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch. This piece alone was over 200 hours of work to complete and includes raised gold, red gold, green gold, white gold and yellow gold in the centrepiece of the Arab Room ceiling. This short video demonstrates the amazing skill and artistry of her work:
Judith trained in Calligraphy, Heraldry and Illumination at Reigate School of Art & Design from 1986-88 and has been teaching Calligraphy for the Lifelong Learning Service since 1989. Judith has also worked as a Senior Learning Development Officer for the Service since 2004. Judith has completed 18 Freedom of the City scrolls for Swansea Council since 1989. The latest two for Kev Johns and the Swansea Branch of the Merchant Navy Association these pieces formed a vital part of her Fellowship application.
Judith was a founder member of the South Wales Scribes and actively encourages her learners to join this regional group to support their progression. Judith’s work has been selected for display in 5 National Calligraphic Exhibitions for the Calligraphy Lettering Arts Society (CLAS) and The Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SSI) some are very formal and some are very innovative using thermochromic paper.
Judith is regularly asked to teach workshops for regional groups around the UK and continues to teach Calligraphy for the Lifelong Learning Service, sharing her unique skills and talent and sharing her passion for Calligraphy with new and existing learners.