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
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

Terms & Conditions