This one-day immersive workshop invites participants to create a peacock-inspired illuminated border, drawing deeply on the rich decorative story of Leighton House. The peacock, a symbol of immortality, renewal, watchfulness and divine beauty in art, appears throughout visual culture. Within Leighton House, the peacock also carries layered meaning: it reflects the celebration of craftsmanship, ornament, and cross-cultural design.

Participants will create a hand-painted illuminated border featuring a stylised peacock. The composition will echo the jewel-like pigments, decorative details and gold leaf found within the interiors of Leighton House.

Practising artist, Lucy Morrish, will guide you through creating your own luminous, hand-crafted artwork on vellum, that you can take home and even frame. Techniques you'll learn include:

• Transferring the design onto vellum

• Inking the drawing using walnut ink, echoing historic manuscript practices

• Preparing and applying the gold size (gum ammoniac)

• Laying genuine gold leaf

• Building colour in layered washes inspired by traditional medieval pigments

• Adding final details and refinement, bringing the peacock’s form and ornament to life

Useful Information

• All materials and equipment provided including genuine gold leaf, traditional gold size (gum ammoniac), walnut ink for drawing on vellum, artist-quality paints inspired by historical pigments, fine brushes suitable for miniature work and natural calfskin vellum, prepared for illumination.

• All abilities welcome, the workshop offers something for every level.

• Tea and Coffee provided. There is a cafe onsite where you can buy a variety of sandwiches, bakes and hot and cold drinks.

• The workshop will take place in the Learning Centre at Leighton House. The ticket includes access to the historic house on the day during opening hours (10am - 5:30pm).

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