Illuminating William Morris
The artist, poet, designer, and publisher, William Morris, was deeply moved by illuminated manuscripts he saw in Canterbury Cathedral as a child. Later, while studying at Oxford, he encountered more manuscripts at the Bodleian Library that inspired him to try his hand at illumination. Morris eventually integrated ideas and designs from these manuscripts, along with other sources, into the books he published through the Kelmscott Press.
During this class, we will delve into the illustrious history of illuminated manuscripts, exploring how these exquisite works inspired William Morris’s Kelmscott Press books. Students will have opportunity to view one such book, The Story of the Glittering Plain, during a private visit to The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. In this journey, we will encounter the captivating beauty and craftsmanship that define these books.
In this immersive course, explore the ancient technique of painting on calfskin vellum. Learn to work with pigments from both botanical sources such as woad as well as colours from mineral deposits, then try your hand at traditional gilding methods to bring light to the page with gold leaf. Conclude the class by painting your own personalised manuscript border and illuminated letter inspired by the magical allure of William Morris’s beautiful book designs.
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The artist, poet, designer, and publisher, William Morris, was deeply moved by illuminated manuscripts he saw in Canterbury Cathedral as a child. Later, while studying at Oxford, he encountered more manuscripts at the Bodleian Library that inspired him to try his hand at illumination. Morris eventually integrated ideas and designs from these manuscripts, along with other sources, into the books he published through the Kelmscott Press.
During this class, we will delve into the illustrious history of illuminated manuscripts, exploring how these exquisite works inspired William Morris’s Kelmscott Press books. Students will have opportunity to view one such book, The Story of the Glittering Plain, during a private visit to The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. In this journey, we will encounter the captivating beauty and craftsmanship that define these books.
In this immersive course, explore the ancient technique of painting on calfskin vellum. Learn to work with pigments from both botanical sources such as woad as well as colours from mineral deposits, then try your hand at traditional gilding methods to bring light to the page with gold leaf. Conclude the class by painting your own personalised manuscript border and illuminated letter inspired by the magical allure of William Morris’s beautiful book designs.
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