Illuminated Capital Letters
lluminating means "adding light". In the world of
calligraphy, to illuminate means to decorate or adorn
lettering by the use of colours and symbolic figures such as flowers, animals
and people. The tradition goes back nearly a thousand years.
eing a calligrapher and illuminator, I create and also decorate my
commissioned works by traditional methods using a variety of artistic styles
according to the chosen script. The majiscules (or "capital letters") that I create
are largely based on examples in medieval manuscripts from the 12th to 15th
centuries (often called "Books of Hours").
Table Plan detail - Initials in two-tone pink with vine decoration in green and silver, 2005
y most popular commissions nowadays are for
wedding stationery, particularly
table plans where the illuminated
initial letters of a bride and groom's christian names can be very eye catching.
If you are planning a wedding, I can create your
table plans and also other stationery (e.g.
invitations,
menus etc.) on almost any chosen theme, with
lettering handpainted in the colours of your personal choice - even gold or silver
where desired. Below are a few examples of illuminated capital letters from recent
wedding commissions.
Capital "A"
With blue decoration and inset green symbols, on gold background, 2006 |
Capital "B"
With gold background and canine figure inset, 2003 |
Capital "C"
Decorated with heather and lily flowers, 2004 |
Capital "H"
In two-tone deep pink, with vine decoration, 2006 |
Capital "I"
With vine decoration in green and silver, 2005 |
Capital "J"
Gold infill, with cala lilies and green leaves, 2004 |
Capital "L"
In Copperplate, with vine decoration in gold and black, 2006 |
Capital "M"
Two-tone gold with Christmas holly and berries, 2004 |
Capital "N"
In Celtic Uncial, with inset knot symbol and grey line decoration, 2003 |
Capital "R"
In Celtic Uncial, with dot surround and black knot line decoration, 2005 |
Capital "S"
With blue decoration and inset green symbols, on gold background, 2006 |
Capital "T"
With vine decoration in gold colour, 2003 |
o please contact me to discuss your requirements
if you are interested in commissioning any work of calligraphy and illumination created
with a personal touch.
Fiona Graham-Flynn (Scribe)