Handwriting is more than a functional skill—it is a conduit for memory, creativity, and identity formation. In an era dominated by digital communication, this workshop will re-examine handwriting as a critical site of cognitive processing, artistic innovation, and historical record. Bringing together experts from neuroscience, literature, manuscript studies, and the visual arts, this event will offer fresh perspectives on the creative-critical significance of the handwritten word.

Following an optional curated writing session, the Workshop will be divided into three sessions, with short presentations and conversations about (1) handwriting, cognition, neural plasticity; (2) therapeutic and psychological aspects, and (3) practical demonstrations and creative-critical application. The afternoon concludes with reflections on the interconnections between handwriting in the classroom, in research and in personal life.

Speakers and panellists

• Prof. Alexandre Castro Caldas (Professor of Neurology, Director of the Institute of Health Sciences of Portuguese Catholic University)
• Martin Weegmann (clinical psychologist and group analyst, editor of The Psychodynamics of Writing, 2019) and members of his writing group
• Gill Partington (Fellow in Book History, Institute of English Studies)
• Jasmina Bolfek-Radovani (Multilingual Poet, Arts Practitioner, researcher. www.jasminabradovani.com)
• Jess Wood (painter, researcher, www.jesswoodpainter.co.uk)
• Dr Joseph Ford (Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies)
• Dr Alexandra Lourenço Dias (King’s College London)
• Professor Julian Weiss (King’s College London)

Attendance is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required.

Programme

11:30-12:30: Optional creative writing session, curated by organisers and invited artists

14:00-14:10: Welcome and introduction Alexandra Lourenço Dias, Julian Weiss

14:10-15:00: Conversation I: Writing the body: Neuroscience in practice Alexandre Castro Caldas, Alexandra Lourenço Dias

15:00-15:50: Conversation II: Therapeutic Writing Martin Weegmann and members of his writing group

16:15-17:15: Conversation III: Writing and critical-creative practice Gill Partington, Jess Wood, Jasmina Bolfek-Radovani

17:15-17:45: Conclusions and future directions Joseph Ford (moderator)

The event is co-sponsored by the Institutes of Languages, Cultures and Societies and English Studies(Opens in new window) (School of Advanced Study), The Camões Institute, and King’s College London’s Camões Centre and the Language Acts and Worldmaking Research Centre (King’s College London).

For further information contact the co-organisers: Alexandra Lourenço Dias (alexandra.lourenco_dias@kcl.ac.uk) and Julian Weiss (Julian.Weiss@kcl.ac.uk).