Illuminating the Past

A workshop to create a Renaissance illuminated letter

The word ‘manuscript’ comes from the Latin words ‘manus’ (hand) and ‘scriptus’ (writing) to literally mean ‘written by hand.’ The term ‘illuminated manuscript,’ comes from the Latin ‘illuminare’ (to light up) and refers to the rich decoration of these books that were often embellished with gold and silver leaf and paint on large ornate initial letters at the start of chapters, some of the text, border designs and illustrations. The pages of the books were made from animal skin, commonly calf, sheep or goat.

White Vine style
In this four hour workshop we are going to create a ‘white vine’ letter. Often the Italian term ‘bianchi girari’ is also used in English. This is a style that was used in the decoration of manuscripts which became popular among Florentine illuminators in the early 15th century. The decoration imitates entangled white vines contrasted against a colourful background, usually blue. The stems themselves were often left unpainted and as such are the colour of the parchment. The design was based on the Romanesque illuminated manuscripts (from 11th to 12th century) where floral forms were prominent. This style was particularly used to decorate texts by classical authors and humanist books rather than religious books.

The workshop will provide you with all of the necessary materials to complete a finished letter to take home. We will be transfering the letter design onto parchment*, flat gilding it with 23 carat gold leaf and painting it using seven different colours pre-prepared in small shells as was customary in the renaissance. We will also look at how the colours were made and at some examples of what the paintbrushes of the day might have looked like.

*If a participant is vegan and particularly uncomfortable with that choice normal paper can be supplied.

All materials for the workshop will be provided

No previous experience needed

Inclusive registration fee: €90 per head

Register now!