Name: Workshop: The Art of Illuminated Lettering
Start: 2025-10-11T10:30:00+01:00
End: 2025-10-11T16:00:00+01:00
Location: Cambridge University Library, West Road, CB3 9DR Cambridge, United Kingdom

Workshop: The Art of Illuminated Lettering

Join us on this practical workshop to make your own illuminated letter using an array of medieval techniques and materials, including 23ct gold leaf.
From simple golden capitals to Initials filled with mythical creatures, illuminated letters are a key feature of medieval manuscripts and are a beautiful way to create a unique miniature artwork. Taking inspiration from the Aldobrandino da Siena, Régime du corps on display in the Curious Cures exhibition we will peel back the layers to understand how our medieval counterparts created these beautiful illuminated Letters.
In this workshop, you will:
- Gain an introduction to the function of illuminated Letters used in medieval manuscripts.
- Learn about the traditional tools and materials used in creating medieval manuscripts.
- Use a historic transfer technique to trace your design on to paper.
- Apply glue to the illuminated areas and lay real 23ct gold leaf.
- Burnish the gold to create a beautiful shine.
- Add colour using miniature brushes and gouache paint.
About the artist
Sarah Davis is a multi-media artist exploring themes relating to the cyclical nature of recovery and renewal. Sarah uses traditional making techniques with a deep historical resonance, such as wood carving and illumination. Sarah has been practicing the endangered Art of illumination since 2020 and now teaches widely on the subject. Graduating from Chelsea College of art in 2012 with a BA in Fine Art, She returned to education in 2015 to study woodcarving and gilding at the the City & Guilds of London Art school, where she now teaches on the woodcarving BA and Conservation BA respectively. She was the Kelmscott Manor Maker in Residence for 2024 and spent the time focussing on the Art of Illumination. www.sarahgdavis.co.uk
Please note: There will be a break for lunch. Workshop attendees are welcome to bring their own food or to purchase a light lunch in our tea room. Lunch is not provided or included in the ticket price.