Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The course focuses primarily on gilding. You will be introduced to a range of gilding materials and methods, beginning with flat gilding. You will experiment with various gilding sizes and complete a letter with simple decoration. Then, you will move on to raised gilding, learning every step of the process, from making and applying gesso to achieving a smooth, beautiful burnished shine. By the end of the course, you will have produced a sample showcasing various gilding methods, as well as a few illuminated letters to display your new skills. The course also includes a brief overview of the history of illumination, providing historical context and inspiration. This course focuses exclusively on illumination techniques and writing is not included.
What will we cover?
- Gilding tools and materials - Various gilding sizes and methods - Historical illuminated styles - Trace and design illuminated letters - Apply gilding size and gold leaf - Paint with gouache/watercolour.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Gain a basic knowledge of gilding methods - Handle gilding tools and materials - Gild a letter with some gilding sizes For more advanced learners; - Gain confidence of handling gilding materials - Complete an illuminated letter with raised gilding
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, and health and safety information.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Discussion and demonstration. You will be given examples of letters and designs. After demonstrations you will work individually or in a small group. You will be given help and feedback by your tutor during the session. You will be encouraged to produce quality work rather than quantity.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Most of the materials will be provided in the class however you will need a nylon/sable pointed brush in size 0 or 1 in good condition, 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil) and an A4 size folder to protect your work to take home. Advice on the materials will be given on the first session. You may need your glasses/magnifying glass.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The following courses are suitable for further study: VE228 Calligraphy and Illumination VE290 Calligraphy and illumination VE274 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding VE275 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding.
Emiko came to England from her native Japan to pursue her passion for calligraphy. She studied calligraphy in the certificate course at Roehampton University and gained BA in calligraphy at Satakunta University in Finland. She was elected as a Fellow of the SSI (the Society of Scribes and Illuminators) in 2012. She enjoys working with historical sources and materials to explore new ideas. Her work was included in V&A’s Calligraphy & Lettering, A maker’s guide published in 2019.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/calligraphy-illumination-and-gilding317280Calligraphy: illumination and gildinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/4/_/4.gildingsamples_1.jpeg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Calligraphy22851132113911421228511321139<p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>153030034Calligraphy: illumination and gilding249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/City-Lit-calligraphy-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-03T00:00:00+00:00Nov 2026Art & designVE273249249Calligraphy: illumination and gilding199162249Emiko Hashiguchicalligraphy-illumination-and-gilding/ve273-2627<p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>0000-Available|2026-11-03 00:00:00<p>The course focuses primarily on gilding. You will be introduced to a range of gilding materials and methods, beginning with flat gilding. You will experiment with various gilding sizes and complete a letter with simple decoration. Then, you will move on to raised gilding, learning every step of the process, from making and applying gesso to achieving a smooth, beautiful burnished shine. By the end of the course, you will have produced a sample showcasing various gilding methods, as well as a few illuminated letters to display your new skills. The course also includes a brief overview of the history of illumination, providing historical context and inspiration. This course focuses exclusively on illumination techniques and writing is not included. </p><p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>- Gilding tools and materials<br>- Various gilding sizes and methods<br>- Historical illuminated styles<br>- Trace and design illuminated letters<br>- Apply gilding size and gold leaf<br>- Paint with gouache/watercolour.<p>- Gain a basic knowledge of gilding methods<br>- Handle gilding tools and materials<br>- Gild a letter with some gilding sizes<br>For more advanced learners;<br>- Gain confidence of handling gilding materials<br>- Complete an illuminated letter with raised gilding</p>This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, and health and safety information.Discussion and demonstration. You will be given examples of letters and designs. After demonstrations you will work individually or in a small group. You will be given help and feedback by your tutor during the session. You will be encouraged to produce quality work rather than quantity.<p>Most of the materials will be provided in the class however you will need a nylon/sable pointed brush in size 0 or 1 in good condition, 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil) and an A4 size folder to protect your work to take home. Advice on the materials will be given on the first session. You may need your glasses/magnifying glass.</p>The following courses are suitable for further study: <br> VE228 Calligraphy and Illumination<br> VE290 Calligraphy and illumination <br> VE274 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding<br> VE275 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding.Contemporary craftsCalligraphyvirtual3066772Calligraphy: illumination and gilding249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/4/_/4.gildingsamples_1_9.jpegInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-02-23T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2027Art & designVE274249249Calligraphy: illumination and gilding199162249Emiko Hashiguchicalligraphy-illumination-and-gilding/ve274-2627<p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>0000-Available|2027-02-23 00:00:00<p>The course focuses primarily on gilding. You will be introduced to a range of gilding materials and methods, beginning with flat gilding. You will experiment with various gilding sizes and complete a letter with simple decoration. Then, you will move on to raised gilding, learning every step of the process, from making and applying gesso to achieving a smooth, beautiful burnished shine. By the end of the course, you will have produced a sample showcasing various gilding methods, as well as a few illuminated letters to display your new skills. The course also includes a brief overview of the history of illumination, providing historical context and inspiration. This course focuses exclusively on illumination techniques and writing is not included. </p><p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>- Gilding tools and materials<br>- Various gilding sizes and methods<br>- Historical illuminated styles<br>- Trace and design illuminated letters<br>- Apply gilding size and gold leaf<br>- Paint with gouache/watercolour.- Gain a basic knowledge of gilding methods<br>- Handle gilding tools and materials<br>- Gild a letter with some gilding sizes<br><br>For more advanced learners;<br>- Gain confidence of handling gilding materials<br>- Complete an illuminated letter with raised gilding.This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, and health and safety information.Discussion and demonstration. You will be given examples of letters and designs. After demonstrations you will work individually or in a small group. You will be given help and feedback by your tutor during the session. You will be encouraged to produce quality work rather than quantity.<p>Most of the materials will be provided in the class however you will need a nylon/sable pointed brush in size 0 or 1 in good condition, 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil) and an A4 size folder to protect your work to take home. Advice on the materials will be given on the first session. You may need your glasses/magnifying glass.</p>VE275 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding<br>VE231 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE240 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE290 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE210 Calligraphy: decorated letterforms.Contemporary craftsCalligraphyvirtual3066775Calligraphy: illumination and gilding249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/4/_/4.gildingsamples_1_10.jpegInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-06-08T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2027Art & designVE275249249Calligraphy: illumination and gilding199162249Emiko Hashiguchicalligraphy-illumination-and-gilding/ve275-2627<p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>0000-Available|2027-06-08 00:00:00<p>The course focuses primarily on gilding. You will be introduced to a range of gilding materials and methods, beginning with flat gilding. You will experiment with various gilding sizes and complete a letter with simple decoration. Then, you will move on to raised gilding, learning every step of the process, from making and applying gesso to achieving a smooth, beautiful burnished shine. By the end of the course, you will have produced a sample showcasing various gilding methods, as well as a few illuminated letters to display your new skills. The course also includes a brief overview of the history of illumination, providing historical context and inspiration. This course focuses exclusively on illumination techniques and writing is not included. </p><p>Create an illuminated letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some experience. </p>- Gilding tools and materials<br>- Various gilding sizes and methods<br>- Historical illuminated styles<br>- Trace and design illuminated letters<br>- Apply gilding size and gold leaf<br>- Paint with gouache/watercolour.<p>- Gain a basic knowledge of gilding methods<br>- Handle gilding tools and materials<br>- Gild a letter with some gilding sizes<br>For more advanced learners;<br>- Gain confidence of handling gilding materials<br>- Complete an illuminated letter with raised gilding</p>This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, and health and safety information.Discussion and demonstration. You will be given examples of letters and designs. After demonstrations you will work individually or in a small group. You will be given help and feedback by your tutor during the session. You will be encouraged to produce quality work rather than quantity.<p>Most of the materials will be provided in the class however you will need a nylon/sable pointed brush in size 0 or 1 in good condition, 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil) and an A4 size folder to protect your work to take home. Advice on the materials will be given on the first session. You may need your glasses/magnifying glass. </p><p>The following courses are suitable for further study:<br>VE300 City Lit calligraphy<br>VE225 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE273 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding<br>VE274 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyvirtual199249162VE273,VE274,VE275NONETue03/11/26 - 01/12/2614:00 - 17:0014:0017:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEmiko HashiguchiAvailable courses2026-11-03T00:00:00+00:00,2027-02-23T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-08T00:00:00+00:00Nov 2026,Feb 2027,Jun 2027Art & design249249Calligraphy: illumination and gildingcalligraphy-illumination-and-gilding/ve273-2627,calligraphy-illumination-and-gilding/ve274-2627,calligraphy-illumination-and-gilding/ve275-2627<p>Create an illuminated&nbsp;letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some&nbsp;experience.&nbsp;</p>0000-Available|2026-11-03 00:00:00<p>The course focuses primarily on gilding. You will be introduced to a range of gilding materials and methods, beginning with flat gilding. You will experiment with various gilding sizes and complete a letter with simple decoration. Then, you will move on to raised gilding, learning every step of the process, from making and applying gesso to achieving a smooth,&nbsp;beautiful burnished&nbsp;shine.&nbsp;&nbsp;By the end of the course, you will have produced a sample&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;various gilding methods, as well as a few illuminated letters to display your new skills. The course also includes a brief overview of the history of illumination, providing historical context and inspiration. This course focuses exclusively on illumination techniques and writing is not included.&nbsp;</p><p>Create an illuminated&nbsp;letter using gilding and simple decoration. This course offers an introduction to the art of illumination through the study and practice of traditional and modern gilding and decorative techniques. Suitable for those who are new to illumination as well as those with some&nbsp;experience.&nbsp;</p>- Gilding tools and materials<br>- Various gilding sizes and methods<br>- Historical illuminated styles<br>- Trace and design illuminated letters<br>- Apply gilding size and gold leaf<br>- Paint with gouache/watercolour.<p>- Gain a basic knowledge of gilding methods<br>- Handle gilding tools and materials<br>- Gild a letter with some gilding sizes<br>For more advanced learners;<br>- Gain confidence of handling gilding materials<br>- Complete an illuminated letter with raised gilding</p>,- Gain a basic knowledge of gilding methods<br>- Handle gilding tools and materials<br>- Gild a letter with some gilding sizes<br><br>For more advanced learners;<br>- Gain confidence of handling gilding materials<br>- Complete an illuminated letter with raised gilding.This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, and health and safety information.Discussion and demonstration. You will be given examples of letters and designs. After demonstrations you will work individually or in a small group. You will be given help and feedback by your tutor during the session. You will be encouraged to produce quality work rather than quantity.<p>Most of the materials will be provided in the class however you will need a nylon/sable pointed brush in size 0 or 1 in good condition, 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil) and an A4 size folder to protect your work to take home. Advice on the materials will be given on the first session. You may need your glasses/magnifying glass.</p>,<p>Most of the materials will be provided in the class however you will need a nylon/sable&nbsp;pointed brush in size 0 or 1 in good condition, 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil) and an A4 size folder to protect your work to take home. Advice on the materials will be given on the first session. You may need your glasses/magnifying glass.&nbsp;</p>The following courses are suitable for further study: <br> VE228 Calligraphy and Illumination<br> VE290 Calligraphy and illumination <br> VE274 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding<br> VE275 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding.,VE275 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding<br>VE231 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE240 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE290 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE210 Calligraphy: decorated letterforms.,<p>The following courses are suitable for further study:<br>VE300 City Lit calligraphy<br>VE225 Calligraphy and illumination<br>VE273 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding<br>VE274 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding</p>Contemporary craftsCalligraphyconfigurable
