Calligraphy: illumination and gilding
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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.
- Start Date: 17 Jun 2025End Date: 01 Jul 2025Tue (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over -3 weeks)Course Code: VE275Tutors: Emiko HashiguchiFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
- Start Date: 04 Nov 2025End Date: 02 Dec 2025Tue (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)Course Code: VE273Tutors: Emiko HashiguchiFull fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00
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What is the course about?
This three weeks course will focus on gilding and painting. First you will study how to apply gilding size. In this course we will use gum ammoniac. Then you will study how to paint with gouache and make highlight and shade. At the end of the course you will complete a style of illuminated letter with highlight and shade.
If you have some experience of illumination you may work on your choice of design.
What will we cover?
- Gilding tools and materials
- Historical illuminated styles
- Trace and design illuminated letters
- Making gum ammoniac
- 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 basic knowledge about gum ammoniac and gilding.
- Handle gilding tools and materials
- Complete an illuminated letter.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for completely 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?
Talk and demonstration. You will be given examples of letters and designs. After demonstration you will work individually or in a small group. You will be given help and feedback by your tutor during the session and you will be encouraged to produce a 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 or sable pointed brush in size 0 and/ or 00 in good condition. 2H, HB pencils and a good eraser (not the end of a pencil). 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?
VE255 Calligraphy and illumination
VE273 Calligraphy: illumination and gilding
VE228 Calligraphy and illumination.
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.