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.
