A list of the various workshops I offer can be found below. I do hope there is something that interests you.

 

Please note: All dates and booking information, where available, can be found by clicking here.

 

An Introduction to Manuscript Illumination – aimed at those who have never gilded before, this class focuses on gilding flat on the page using a variety of sizes, both traditional and modern. A one day workshop.

 

 

 

Further Manuscript Illumination – focussing on the use of manuscript gesso to create raised areas of gilding with a mirror shine. Traditionally containing white lead, a non-toxic recipe can also be used. Whilst the workshop concentrates on laying, shaping and gilding the gesso with loose leaf gold, it is also possible to make gesso if time permits. One – five days.

 

 

The Art of Illumination – from Medieval to Modern – Comparing contemporary gilding methods with those used in the 15^th century – is modern always best? This one – two day workshop lets you try a range of ways of applying gold to a page, giving both flat and raised areas. The focus is on finding a method that works best for each individual. Gilding doesn’t have to be difficult!

 

Making and using Shell Gold – Shell gold – gold paint that was made from gold leaf and traditionally kept in a shell – is available to buy commercially. Those who have used it, however, report that it is coarsely ground and doesn’t give that beautiful golden gleam. During this workshop you will learn how to make your own shell gold. It’s not difficult and is so much better than anything you can buy. You’ll also learn how best to use it to create beautiful designs.

 

 

Combining shell gold with gold on gesso – Create something a little different by combining gilding techniques. By contrasting burnished and unburnished and flat and raised areas your work stands out from the mainstream. A one day workshop for those with experience of using gesso and loose leaf gold.

 

 

Creating an Illuminated Border – A fast-paced two day workshop on designing and producing a beautiful border using simple steps and a piece of tracing paper – no maths required! We start by looking at examples of intricate borders in medieval manuscripts, working out how they were constructed. Using that knowledge we will then move on to plan beautiful contemporary designs to offset your work. We’ll look at simple and complex variations and aspects of colour – all borders will have gold or white gold elements.

 

 

 Metalpoint – an introduction to the ancient method of using silver, gold or brass to draw and write with. Prepared paper and wires are provided. There is the opportunity to experiment with a variety of modern grounds to see which you prefer.

 

 

 

 

Colour mixing made easy – Blue and yellow don’t always make green! This one day workshop giving participants a thorough grounding in how to mix clean, vibrant colours, make garish colours more pleasing to the eye and make tints and shades. This is a practical rather than theoretical class using acrylic or watercolour.

 

Making paint from Minerals and Plants – The earth is the source of the pigments used in the great paintings of the past: extracting pigments and making them into paint was a part of any artist’s practice. This workshop will introduce you to this traditional skill, transforming plants and minerals into jewel-like colours. We start with a mineral such as azurite, some local iron oxide and a plant (madder or weld) After hammering, mixing and precipitating we end up with beautiful paints bound with gum Arabic, egg or oil. No prior knowledge expected. Bring an apron!

 

 

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Feedback from previous courses has been overwhelmingly positive:

 

‘Just wanted to say thankyou for the course on Saturday, we enjoyed it so much – you are a wonderful teacher’.

‘Could not have been better’.

‘I wouldn’t have believed that I could produce something that beautiful. I’m thrilled.’

‘It was a joy’.

‘Thank you very much for doing the workshops last week – I’ve had great feedback from all the students about how much they enjoyed it’.