About
This course takes inspiration from a beautifully illuminated Book of Hours housed in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. A Book of Hours is a devotional text containing prayers, psalms, hymns, and Biblical passages intended for daily use. The manuscript we will study was likely created in France and is decorated with exquisite borders filled with flowers, vines, birds, and butterflies.
Students will begin with a rare opportunity to examine this original manuscript up close in the Royal Library, appreciating its intricate floral and foliate borders.
The practical component of the course will guide students through designing and painting their own decorative borders on calfskin vellum. Participants will learn how some precious mineral pigments, such as lapis lazuli, are prepared, and how to work with traditional pigments and gouache on vellum—a surface that demands patience and precision with a dry brush. The course also includes a demonstration of pigment preparation and instruction in traditional gilding techniques using gold leaf to illuminate borders.
Please note bookings for this course will close on 29 January in order to complete security clearance checks for visitors to the castle.
In collaboration with Royal Collection Trust.
Image: Courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III
Key information
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at the Royal Library in Windsor Castle, and our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
Who is the course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
How many people can attend?
12 places are available.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 9 – 13 February 2026
Schedule:
Monday, 10:30 – 12:30 at Windsor Castle – On the day please collect your day pass at the Pass Office on St Albans Street and arrive at Henry VIII Gate by 10:15am to go through security. After lunch, students are welcome to visit the State Apartments, admission is included with the price of this course.
Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 – 16:30 at the School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
Refreshments:
Please bring a packed lunch and any drinks you may require during the day. Tea/coffee will be provided. We will have a brief lunch break at approximately 12:30 – 12:45.
Important information about Windsor Castle:
Windsor Castle Security
Prior to the event an automated email will be sent asking that you enter your details into a security questionnaire. This information is collected solely for the purpose of security screening and will be deleted soon after your visit. Participants must bring proof of identification, details of which will be sent to each ticket-holder.
As you would expect, a high level of security is in place at Royal residences. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
What should I bring to class?
For the Monday visit, only the use of pencil is allowed in the Royal Library for notetaking. Photography is not permitted inside the premise.
For Tuesday – Friday, please bring:
- Transfer gold leaf, 23.5 carat, 5 sheets. The tutor recommends to purchase from Wrights of Lymm. Please do not purchase edible and loose gold leaf.
- Size 3/0 – 10/0 paint brushes for fine details. The tutor recommends Pro-Arte watercolour brush and Da Vinci red sable brush.
- Size 0 and 00 round sable watercolour brush.
- Any old mixing brushes that you may have.
- A palette with wells.
- An A4 folder to store work after course
All other materials will be provided in the class.
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
Lucy Morrish is an Iconographer, Illuminator, and Miniature Painter who currently lives in Lincolnshire. She has an affinity for painting icons after studying under Dr Irina Bradley who is a Master Iconographer. Having gained a scholarship from the a.g. Leventis Foundation she studied a masters degree at the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London where she graduated with distinction. From studying at the School she developed an affinity for Illuminated Manuscripts. Lucy paints with handmade watercolour mineral and earth pigments on calfskin vellum and egg tempera on gessoed wood panels. she also specialises in traditional gilding techniques using 24-carat gold leaf. Lucy has displayed her work in and around the UK, including the opportunity to exhibit at the Saatchi Gallery in 2020.
