The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy

The ancient art of illuminating manuscripts is currently attracting many new enthusiasts among artists, art students, and lovers of calligraphy. The Bible of Illuminated Letters is a volume they’ll all want to add to their collections. It presents step-by-step instructions for recreating twelve illuminated alphabets. Among them are Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, Modern Revival, and seven more, including several modern scripts. Detailed diagrams instruct on creating upper- and lower-case letters, as well as on ways for designing borders and decorations. More ambitious students can also follow clear directions for gilding—decorating with gold leaf—as was originally done in medieval European monasteries. Readers and students of illumination who open this book will find: a history of illumination; required tools, techniques, and materials for illuminating; instruction in layout and design; and steps to follow in order to create 12 alphabet styles. This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations in total.
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The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy

The ancient art of illuminating manuscripts is currently attracting many new enthusiasts among artists, art students, and lovers of calligraphy. The Bible of Illuminated Letters is a volume they’ll all want to add to their collections. It presents step-by-step instructions for recreating twelve illuminated alphabets. Among them are Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, Modern Revival, and seven more, including several modern scripts. Detailed diagrams instruct on creating upper- and lower-case letters, as well as on ways for designing borders and decorations. More ambitious students can also follow clear directions for gilding—decorating with gold leaf—as was originally done in medieval European monasteries. Readers and students of illumination who open this book will find: a history of illumination; required tools, techniques, and materials for illuminating; instruction in layout and design; and steps to follow in order to create 12 alphabet styles. This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations in total.
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The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy

The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy

The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy

The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy

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Overview


The ancient art of illuminating manuscripts is currently attracting many new enthusiasts among artists, art students, and lovers of calligraphy. The Bible of Illuminated Letters is a volume they’ll all want to add to their collections. It presents step-by-step instructions for recreating twelve illuminated alphabets. Among them are Celtic, Saxon, Gothic, Romanesque, Modern Revival, and seven more, including several modern scripts. Detailed diagrams instruct on creating upper- and lower-case letters, as well as on ways for designing borders and decorations. More ambitious students can also follow clear directions for gilding—decorating with gold leaf—as was originally done in medieval European monasteries. Readers and students of illumination who open this book will find: a history of illumination; required tools, techniques, and materials for illuminating; instruction in layout and design; and steps to follow in order to create 12 alphabet styles. This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations in total.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780764158209
Publisher: B.E.S. Publishing
Publication date: 03/01/2006
Series: Quarto Book Ser.
Pages: 256
Product dimensions: 6.32(w) x 8.12(h) x 1.15(d)

About the Author


Margaret Morgan is a professional calligrapher and an Associate of the Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society. She regularly accepts both public and private commissions and conducts calligraphy workshops.

Rosemary Buczek is a Master Penman and served two terms as President of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH)

Table of Contents

Foreword8
Introduction10
How to Use This Book12
Chapter 1Tools and Techniques14
Tools and Materials16
Your Workstation18
Paper20
Vellum and Parchment24
Preparing vellum26
Stretching vellum28
Brushes34
Pens36
Pencils38
Paints40
Gouache40
Watercolors42
Egg tempera44
Inks48
Gilding50
Flat gilding52
Raised and burnished gold54
Shell gold61
Metallic gouache and bronze powders62
Chapter 2Preparing to Work64
Layout and Design66
Color74
Transferring Designs to Paper78
Using Illumination and Decoration81
Chapter 3Alphabet Directory84
Celtic86
History88
Step-by-step demonstration92
Decorated capitals and numbers96
Insular half uncial hand and variations104
Borders and motifs108
Ottonian110
History112
Step-by-step demonstration116
Decorated capitals and numbers120
Carolingian hand and variations128
Versals and numbers131
Borders and motifs132
Romanesque136
History138
Step-by-step demonstration142
Decorated capitals and numbers146
Foundational hand and variations154
Borders and motifs158
Gothic162
History164
Step-by-step demonstration168
Decorated capitals and numbers172
Gothic hand and variations180
Borders and motifs184
Renaissance: White Vine186
History188
Step-by-step demonstration192
Decorated capitals and numbers196
Humanist hand and variations204
Borders and motifs208
Renaissance: Neo-Classical210
History212
Step-by-step demonstration216
Decorated capitals and numbers220
Italic hand and variations228
Borders and motifs232
Chapter 4Contemporary Gallery236
Glossary248
Resources250
Calligraphy Societies251
Further Reading252
Index253
Acknowledgments256
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