About
This course introduces the art of manuscript illumination through a beautiful Book of Hours now held in the Morgan Library. Books of Hours were devotional manuscripts containing prayers and psalms used for daily worship at the canonical hours. Many have survived to the present day and provide some of the finest examples of late medieval illumination.
On this course, students will learn about the history of manuscripts, including the Book of Hours, illumination and miniature painting, and the different types of parchment used by artists. The course will then explore how to prepare vellum for painting by mounting it onto a rigid support and treating the surface with a traditional mixture of pumice powder and gum sandarac.
Once the vellum has been carefully prepared and sanded, students will trace and transfer your chosen zodiac design from Book of Hours MS G.14 onto the surface. The class will then focus on gilding, beginning with the application of raised gold using improved gold body and the preparation of traditional shell gold. You will also prepare the main colours used in illumination before moving on to painting, shading, and the final finishing touches.
By following these traditional techniques, you will create a finished illuminated zodiac sign on vellum, approximately 20 × 20 cm.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 30 November – 4 December 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What should I bring to class?
Materials TBC.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect.
To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Catarina Pignato is a Brazilian painter and graphic designer with a deep love of animals, a theme that has always influenced her work. She spent eight years working for Brazil’s largest newspaper, Folha de S.Paulo, where she contributed to its visual identity through illustration. Over time, she felt drawn back to painting and specialised in watercolour techniques on animal skin during her MA at the School of Traditional Arts.
Her work is inspired by the historical relationship between humans and animals, particularly medieval hunting scenes and the personification of animals in British and French art.