Traditional Skills Workshop

Sunday 30 June 2024
10am-4pm
Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford, Nr Manningtree, Essex CO11 2JG
Updated
6 June 2024
This workshop focuses on basic skills in using traditional materials used by calligraphers and illuminators in the past and continuing today. It will provide a window into a world of techniques and processes that will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that is required to master them.

It will be a hands-on day and you will:
  • be introduced to the art of making gesso, laying it with a quill onto vellum, and applying gold leaf
  • learn about the properties of vellum and how to prepare its surface for writing
  • make fresh ink by grinding Chinese ink sticks and use it to test the success of the vellum preparation process
  • cure and cut quills, an important aspect of traditional skills, and use for both writing in ink and laying gesso
  • make some Armenian Bole tracedown paper, used for transferring designs onto paper and vellum
  • explore a range of pure pigments and learn how to grind them to make watercolour paint

I will demonstrate burnishing, which is a technique to enhance the shine of gold on gesso.

All tools and materials will be supplied and their cost is included in the workshop fee.

This workshop is suitable for beginners.

Fees are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation by the tutor.

£75

One space remaining!
Working will vellum
Grinding pigment
Quill cutting
Making gesso
Laying and gilding gesso
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