Illuminated manuscripts are among the most dazzling and intriguing objects ever created, and the British Library’s collection is one of the finest in the world.

Join renowned scribe and illuminator Patricia Lovett MBE on our one-day masterclass, and create your own medieval miniature on vellum.

The most luxurious manuscripts were lit up by decorations and pictures in brightly-coloured pigments and burnished gold leaf. Under Patricia’s expert guidance you’ll choose your own miniature animal from a medieval bestiary, and learn the skills and techniques to bring it to life with colour and gold.

You’ll develop your design on prepared vellum (calfskin), apply gold leaf, and add colour in the medieval painting style. Through the course of the day you’ll learn how medieval scribes created their illuminations, and go home with your own spectacular example.

Read the course outline (PDF).

If you have any access requirements, please email adultlearning@bl.uk as soon as you have booked your ticket.

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