Book illumination weekend
Weekend art making course
25 February 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm26 February 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Friends of the RA book first
Spain and the Hispanic World
Terms and conditions
Create your own illuminated miniature using real gold leaf, inspired by the illuminated manuscripts in the RA's exhibition 'Spain and the Hispanic World'.
Please note: this is an on-site event only
Join this weekend course to create your own copy of an illuminated miniature using traditional tools and materials including calfskin vellum, real leaf gold and polished agate burnishers. World-renowned calligrapher and illuminator, Patricia Lovett, takes you through the processes step-by-step, to produce your own colourful miniature inspired by the manuscripts in the RA's exhibition Spain and the Hispanic World.
The brilliance of polished gold in Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts began as the decoration of religious books used in church services and celebrations, before transitioning into the personal realm. Books of hours were popular in the Medieval period, along with psalters, and these were often highly decorated with imagined and fantastical animals. Explore the breadth of manuscript illumination over the weekend, taking inspiration from the treasures of the Hispanic Society of America - from a 15th century Hebrew Bible to the black tinted parchment of the Medieval Black Book of Hours.
This two-day course begins with an introduction to the history of illumination and the use of gold and colour in manuscripts, from the various craftspeople involved, to the processes and tools used. There is a chance to visit the Spain and the Hispanic World exhibition, and see examples of illuminated manuscripts from the 13th to 16th centuries up close.
Patricia Lovett MBE is a world-renowned calligrapher and illuminator specialising the the traditional tools, materials and skills of mediaeval manuscript production, approached in a contemporary way. She has written a number of books on the subjects, her last being The Art and History of Calligraphy for the British Library, and is embarking on another. Patricia is Co-Director and Chief Judge of the new Stanford University Library Calligraphy Collection, and until earlier this year was Chair of Heritage Crafts.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Friends of the RA book first
Spain and the Hispanic World
Terms and conditions
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact the Academic Programmes Team by emailing academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk
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