Chinese Calligraphy & Tea at Ely Museum

For the women who are ready to put something down for a Saturday morning.

This gathering falls within 小暑 — Mild Summer. Early July. The warmest weeks of the year. The season when the temptation to rush, fill and produce reaches its peak.

The ancient invitation is the opposite.

心靜自然涼 — when the heart is still, coolness comes naturally.

You do not need to know anything about calligraphy or Chinese characters to be here. You do not need beautiful handwriting or a still mind. You only need to be willing to let the brush be slow.

What we do

Chinese calligraphy (書法) is one of China’s most revered art forms — not because of the finished characters, but because of the quality of presence required to make them.

Each stroke demands complete arrival. The brush doesn’t forgive rushing. It responds to exactly the pressure, speed and attention you bring.

Presence over performance. Attention over outcome.

The tea

Arriving — cold-brew Tieguanyin. Premium Tieguanyin steeped overnight in cold water. No heat, no bitterness. Pure orchid-floral coolness served chilled as you arrive. This is what 心靜自然涼 feels like before the brush has touched the paper.

Ceremony — Genmaicha. Roasted green tea with brown rice. Nutty, toasty, deeply grounding. Served warm. The contrast between the cool arrival and the warm ceremony creates a gentle shift — arriving cool, settling into warmth, finding your centre.

Cold then warm. Cooling then rooted. The body knows.

We close

In somatic noticing. Where is there more ease? Where has something softened? That difference — between arriving and departing — is the whole practice.

You leave with

Your calligraphy pieces — brush marks on rice paper, made by your own hand, at whatever pace was yours that morning.

What others have said

“The energy was perfect — calm, warm, and welcoming.” — Charlene

“I was amazed at how relaxed I felt afterwards.” — Denise

“I left feeling centred and inspired.” — Natalie

Practical details

📍 Ely Museum, CB7 4LS

🗓 Saturday 11 July 2026 · 10:30–12:30

🎟 £40 · All materials and a ceremony of whole leaf tea included

Maximum 10 women

No calligraphy experience needed. Just a willingness to let the brush be slow.