ILLUMINATED LETTERS MASTERCLASS: THE ART OF GOLD AND COLOUR
Illuminated letters date back many centuries, long before the invention of printing. At that time, books were entirely handwritten by monks. Between around 500 and 1500 AD, illuminated letters became true works of art. In monasteries, monks would spend months working on a single book.
This practical illuminated letters masterclass requires no special skills and is open to everyone:
- Absolute beginners: Those starting from scratch who want to discover this ancient art.
- Calligraphy enthusiasts: Those who love beautiful lettering and want to add gold and colour to their letters.
- Creative artists and illustrators: Artists looking for new techniques to incorporate into their work.
- History enthusiasts: Anyone who would like to experience first-hand the methods used by medieval monks.
Illuminated letters masterclass
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The word “illuminate” comes from minium, a vivid red pigment that was traditionally used to outline and decorate letters.
Around 1450, mechanical printing was invented. Books could now be produced quickly and in black and white. The art of the medieval illuminators was no longer necessary for everyday books, but illuminated letters remain famous to this day for their extraordinary beauty.
Celtic Monks: They created letters filled with intricate knots, interlacing patterns, and fantastical animals.
Monks under Charlemagne: They made extensive use of gold and created large, noble, geometric letters.
Gothic Style: Letters became more elongated, darker, and richly decorated with thorn-like foliage.
Join our Illuminated Letters Masterclass to slow down, immerse yourself in colour, and experience the magic of gold leaf first-hand!
About the masterclass
What were illuminated letters used for?
Illuminated letters were not simply decorative. They served two important purposes:
Finding your way through the page: Books did not have page numbers, so a large, colourful initial helped readers identify the beginning of a new chapter or section.
Telling stories: Many people could not read, so they could look at the images within the decorated letters to understand stories from the Bible or about kings and historical figures.
MASTERCLASS PROGRAM: THE ART OF ILLUMINATED LETTERS
This illuminated letters masterclass combines ancient history with hands-on practice. Each participant will create their own decorated letter.
Working step by step at a fully equipped workstation, participants will create an illuminated letter from scratch. The workshop is divided into several stages:
- Drawing the Letter
- Applying Gold Leaf
- Applying Colour
- Outlining and Finishing Touches
You do not need to be skilled at drawing. Each step is demonstrated and guided by the instructor. You will be provided with parchment, pigments, gold leaf, and brushes. You will take your finished artwork home with you.
Become a master of the ancient medieval alphabet during a special afternoon by joining our illuminated letters masterclass!
| Type of masterclass | 4 hours masterclass |
|---|---|
| Individual Illuminated Letters Masterclass |
€200 |
| Two-to-one Illuminated Letters Masterclass |
€160 |
| Small self-composed group Illuminated Letters Masterclass (3–4 participants) |
€110 |
All materials are included in the price.
Masterclasses can be organised on any weekday (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Two-person and small-group illuminated letters masterclasses are organised for friends or family members who enrol together.
MINISTERO DELL’ISTRUZIONE, DELL’UNIVERSITÀ E DELLA RICERCA
Our school is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Instruction, University and Research.
Offers and discounts
For self-composed groups please request an estimate writing to the following e-mail address: info@galilei.it or at info@istituto-galilei.com
Additional Services
Upon participants’ request, the program of our illuminated letters masterclass can be combined with our guided visits of the city.
Our masterclasses can be easily combined with an Italian language course or with any Italian culture course.