Illuminated lettering workshop

Join us on this practical workshop to make your own illuminated letter to take home or give as a festive gift.

Artist Sarah Davis will lead the session using an array of medieval techniques and materials, including 23ct gold leaf. From simple golden capitals to initials filled with mythical creatures, illuminated letters are a key feature of medieval manuscripts and are a beautiful way to create a unique miniature artwork.

Taking inspiration from the 13th century Wilton Psalter on display digitally in ‘A Body of Knowledge’ we will peel back the layers to understand how our medieval counterparts created these beautiful illuminated letters.

In this workshop, you will:

• Get a curator’s introduction to exhibition ‘A body of knowledge’ and see an original illuminated book up close
• Gain an introduction to the function of illuminated letters used in medieval manuscripts.
• Learn about the traditional tools and materials used in creating medieval manuscripts.
• Use a historic transfer technique to trace your design on to paper.
• Apply glue to the illuminated areas and lay real 23ct gold leaf.
• Burnish the gold to create a beautiful shine.
• Add colour using miniature brushes and gouache paint.

Light refreshments will be provided, lunch is not included. There is a garden and canteen space on site for eating packed lunches.

Tickets include all materials, tools and gold leaf.

Artist bio

Sarah Davis is a multi-media artist exploring themes relating to the cyclical nature of recovery and renewal. Sarah uses traditional making techniques with a deep historical resonance, such as wood carving and illumination. Sarah has been practising the endangered art of illumination since 2020 and now teaches widely on the subject. Graduating from Chelsea College of art in 2012 with a BA in Fine Art, she returned to education in 2015 to study woodcarving and gilding at the City & Guilds of London Art school, where she now teaches on the Woodcarving BA and Conservation BA respectively. She was the Kelmscott Manor Maker in Residence for 2024 and spent the time focussing on the art of illumination.