Spanning over 1200 years, from the 7th to 19th centuries, this history traces the evolution of Qur'an manuscripts across the vast expanse of the Islamic empire, stretching from Spain to the borders of China.
Spirited history and comprehensive instruction manual covers 13 styles (ca. 4th–15th centuries). Excellent photographs; directions for duplicating medieval techniques with modern tools. "Vastly rewarding and illuminating." — American Artist.
Taking her inspiration from the wonderful interlacing patterns and luminous colours of historical illuminated manuscripts, she explains the techniques simply, clearly and with an infectious enthusiasm which is both inspiring and exciting. Full colour illustrations accompany clear step-by-step instructions, which guide the readers through all the various stages. Traditional methods are discussed in detail and both traditional and contemporary projects are included to build up confidence and skills. This is a lively and informative book which will appeal to all those interested in calligraphy or illumination.
This guide puts together a range of projects and techniques designed to bring the beauty of calligraphy to life. Five projects are presented, with step-by-step instructions, from painting and decorating initials to designing a bookmark, and from making a concertina book to creating an intricate design for a calendar. The author also describes the best materials to use, examines the basics of good lettering, drawing and painting, and includes lettering worksheets for practice.
Calligraphy and illumination, together with heraldry, comprise the three traditional skills of mediaeval book arts. In this wide-ranging guide they have been brought up-to-date by scribe and illuminator Patricia Lovett. Each section looks back at the historical roots of the subject before considering modern approaches. Manuscripts from The British Library and other sources support the text, which is designed to enable the reader to use this book both as a working guide and a fundamental source of reference. Sections include the range and selection of tools and materials for calligraphy, illumination and heraldry and how to letter. There are practical projects ranging from the simplest through to the more technically advanced, and a detailed reference section explains about the tools and materials including types and selection of papers; selection and care of brushes; colour theory and mixing; and choosing, preparing and stretching vellum.
This stunningly illustrated new book focuses on 77 intricate, expressive and individual examples of calligraphy from the unparalleled collection of the British Library. The author, a renowned expert on the history of the form as well as a fine calligrapher herself, writes - uniquely - from a practitioner's point of view. Ranging from the Middle Ages, when beautiful calligraphy was a way of celebrating the divine, to the renaissance of the art form by William Morris, to the modern school of calligraphers following in the wake of master typographer Edward Johnston, Patricia Lovett charts the development of calligraphy through the history of European manuscripts. Large-scale full-colour reproductions enable the reader to see the fine detail of each manuscript, and to understand more clearly than ever before the painstaking craft and great artistic skill that were necessary to create these strikingly beautiful pieces of writing.
Learn how to illuminate your writing like the scribes of the past, bringing letters to life with plant and animal motifs, swirling vines and leaves, graceful arabesques and flourishes, fantastical imagery, and more. Draw creatures cavorting across the page as Gothic illuminators did, or create the knotwork seen in famous Celtic manuscripts. Step-by-step tutorials, tips for creating striking effects, and blank letterforms you can illuminate yourself make this the perfect modern-day guide to the medieval art of beautiful writing. 160 pages. 6-1/4" wide x 8-1/4" high (15.9 cm wide x 21 cm high). Rights: World (English)
Looks at the history of calligraphy & illumination, explores the use of gold in miniatures & high-lighting, & shows how to create a variety of projects. Subsidiary Rights: Selected by Book-of-the-Month Club & Crafters' Choice Book Club.