Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy
Illumination-the creation of elaborate, decorated letters and initials-reached its apogee in the monasteries of medieval Europe. Embellished with gold leaf, the illuminated letters of those early scribes seemed to reflect light, as though they were indeed "illuminated." This traditional art is now attracting new enthusiasts.
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(back cover) Illumination—the creation of elaborate, decorated letters and initials—reached its apogee in the monasteries of medieval Europe. Embellished with gold leaf, the illuminated letters of those early scribes seemed to reflect light, as though they were indeed “illuminated.” This traditional art is now attracting new enthusiasts. Illuminated Letters presents step-by-step instructions for recreating illuminated alphabets from six historical periods, including Celtic, Gothic, and Romanesque. Diagrams for upper- and lower-case letters are accompanied by ideas for borders and decorations, and full instructions for gilding. Each section also explores ways in which the illuminated letters can be adapted to create a truly personal style, while a gallery of modern examples will inspire further creativity. 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 workshops for calligraphic societies. Although traditional formal calligraphy involving gilding, painting, and heraldry form an important part of her work, she increasingly enjoys the challenge of more experimental lettering. She is the author of two previously published books on calligraphy. FOREWORD BY ROSEMARY BUCZEK 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).
Foreword8Introduction10How to Use This Book12Chapter 1Tools and Techniques14Tools and Materials16Your Workstation18Paper20Vellum and Parchment24Preparing vellum26Stretching vellum28Brushes34Pens36Pencils38Paints40Gouache40Watercolors42Egg tempera44Inks48Gilding50Flat gilding52Raised and burnished gold54Shell gold61Metallic gouache and bronze powders62Chapter 2Preparing to Work64Layout and Design66Color74Transferring Designs to Paper78Using Illumination and Decoration81Chapter 3Alphabet Directory84Celtic86History88Step-by-step demonstration92Decorated capitals and numbers96Insular half uncial hand and variations104Borders and motifs108Ottonian110History112Step-by-step demonstration116Decorated capitals and numbers120Carolingian hand and variations128Versals and numbers131Borders and motifs132Romanesque136History138Step-by-step demonstration142Decorated capitals and numbers146Foundational hand and variations154Borders and motifs158Gothic162History164Step-by-step demonstration168Decorated capitals and numbers172Gothic hand and variations180Borders and motifs184Renaissance: White Vine186History188Step-by-step demonstration192Decorated capitals and numbers196Humanist hand and variations204Borders and motifs208Renaissance: Neo-Classical210History212Step-by-step demonstration216Decorated capitals and numbers220Italic hand and variations228Borders and motifs232Chapter 4Contemporary Gallery236Glossary248Resources250Calligraphy Societies251Further Reading252Index253Acknowledgments256
