Beginning Illumination

This photo-filled guide offers you all the information you need to begin the fascinating ancient art of illumination, and then to improve your skills. A short history of the art, including photos of some of the world’s great medieval masterpieces, gives you context, and then you’re introduced to the materials and basic techniques. First learn the proper ways of preparing your parchment, selecting pigments, gilding, and using colour. Next, the five steps of illuminating are clearly taught in detail, step by step. By learning to create friezes, detailed human faces, flourishes, creatures such as dragons and elephants, and much more, you’ll discover a skill that has crossed the centuries. Today, illumination can be used to add a special flair to diplomas, invitations, family trees, or a memorable event like a wedding, a birthday, or an anniversary.

AUTHOR: Claire Travers has been a craftsperson in illumination since 2001. Fascinated by medieval techniques and following ancient recipes of Theophilus, Dimier, and Cennino Cennini, she composes with a focus on accuracy and honesty. Travers exhibits her work and offers courses. 227 colour photos