Explore simple gilding and painting techniques to design, draw and paint a beautiful capital letter based on historical examples. There will be an overview of the various styles of illumination from early Celtic to present day contemporary designs.

The course will give an insight into the processes, tools and materials used by the medieval illuminator to produce beautiful rich colours and intricate detail, combined with the spectacular effect of gold leaf. The different processes involved in gilding and painting will be covered, experimenting with several different gilding techniques, using real gold leaf transfer. The most suitable weight and type of paper for this work will be discussed. Learn skills such as laying down flat colour and then applying intricate detail with a fine brush.

The course is suitable for calligraphers who want to combine it with illumination or those who appreciate detail and precision. The tutor will give group demonstrations and encouragement and advice on a one-to-one basis. There will be plenty of time for practical work.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply the gilding mediums and gold leaf. Other materials, including tracing paper and hot pressed watercolour paper (300gsm), are also supplied for the course.

What students need to bring

• Any Designers’ Gouache paints in any colours that you may have
• Watercolour palette for mixing paints
• Kitchen towel
• Pencil (propelling pencil preferred), ruler, eraser
• Brushes for mixing and water pots
• Any fine sable brushes you have – size 00, 0, 1, 2

Available to buy

Available from shop: Designers’ Gouache – colours to be discussed Brushes: 00, 0, 1 Watercolour palette – plastic is fine Pencil (Propelling), ruler, eraser

Available from tutor: Gilding mediums Gold Leaf

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions