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The Art of Illuminated Lettering with Sarah Davis

Make your own illuminated letter in the medieval style using an array of historic techniques and materials including 23ct gold leaf with artist Sarah Davis. 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.

  • 16th November 2024 - 16th November 2024
  • 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

In this workshop, you will:

  • Gain an introduction to the styles of illuminated Letters used in medieval manuscripts.
  • Use a historic transfer technique to trace your design on to paper.
  • Apply glue to the illuminated areas and lay 23ct gold leaf
  • Add colour using miniature brushes and gouache paint

More about Sarah:

Sarah Davis is a multi-media artist exploring themes relating to the cyclical nature of recovery and renewal. The natural world serves as a deep pool of inspiration with the allegory, myth and folklore of animalistic subjects driving her narrative approach. Davis uses traditional making techniques with a deep historical resonance, such as wood carving, bronze casting and illumination. Since 2020 Sarah has been practicing the art of illumination which is listed on The HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts.

In 2012 Davis graduated from Chelsea college of art with a BA in Fine art. She returned to education in 2015 to study woodcarving and gilding at the City & Guilds of London Art School, where she now teaches on the Woodcarving BA & Conservation BA. She is the current Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor, practicing the art of illumination.

All money raised from our workshops goes towards maintaining David Parr House – thank you for supporting us.

Facilities

  • Facilities for Disabled Guests
  • wheelchair access
  • WIFI

Accessibility Facilities

  • Mostly flat terrain
  • Staff available to assist
  • Wheel chair accessible
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Did you know?

One of the most famous figures in English history, Oliver Cromwell, was laid to rest at Westminster Abbey, but his decapitated head is buried in the grounds of Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge. Grisly but true!