COLOURS OF THE MANUSCRIPTS
The book of Kells is one of the most lavishly decorated books in early medieval history. It is also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful works of art ever created. Its origins are steeped in mystery but it is believed to have been partially created on the sacred island of Iona, off the island of Mull.
Thought to date from the beginning of the 9th century, the book still retains it’s magnificent decorated cover and numerous pages of exquisitely detailed and intensively colourful designs.
Alongside this wondrous book we also include other manuscripts many from the earlier part of the medieval era. This includes the resplendent Lindisfarne Gospels and the less well known 8th century manuscript the book of Durrow.
In these workshops we explore the original colours used by the creators of these books. During the day we create an authentic palette of genuine colours looking at how they were made and obtained at the time. Sometimes the sources of particular colours were very unusual and unexpected such as a purple from certain kinds of Lichen.
A workshop on this subject might also include working from a certain design or pattern found in the books to create a piece of artwork. In doing this people are connected to this rich shared cultural history through personal interpretation.
Please do get in touch if you are interested in this workshop, we also offer the medieval series as a series of talks.