Medieval Manuscript Illumination: learning the ancient art of the Master manuscript illuminators, inspired by the Sobieski Book of Hours.

This four day course is a unique opportunity to explore, through practice and theory, the exquisite art of manuscript illumination, inspired by the extraordinary 15th century Sobieski Book of Hours and taught by iconographer and manuscript illuminator Christabel Helena Anderson.  The course will begin at Windsor Castle with a viewing of the Sobieski Book of Hours, a tour of the exhibition and visit to the medieval Saint George’s Chapel.  The following three days will be held at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London, where participants will delve into the luminous and ancient methods of paint making and manuscript illumination.

Participants will learn about the book of hours and its use, explore techniques of miniature painting, learn about vellum and parchment, how to hand make watercolour paint with pigments, and the myriad of plants and minerals from which these are obtained.  Participants will learn several traditional manuscript gilding methods and how to handle and understand gold leaf, as well as considering the symbolic aspects of the materials and imagery used.  Participants will create two small illumination projects throughout the course, which is suitable for all levels of experience, from complete beginners to more advanced artists and illuminators.

The course will be taking place on Wednesday 10th February to Saturday 27th February 2016.