Storyline Illuminated Border
With Martha Laurens
Starting date : 7 September 2025
Fees : HK$ 1,400 or US$ 180
Workshop Description
This five-week virtual workshop offers an in-depth exploration of illuminated manuscript border design with a narrative focus. Bridging historical techniques and contemporary imagination, students will learn how to craft one-page illuminated borders that tell a visual story—rooted in symbolic ornamentation, romantic themes, and rich botanical language.
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Inspired by medieval manuscripts, Arthurian legends, and fairytale vows, participants will create their own personalised border design using acanthus scrollwork, fruits, florals, and gold accents. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating a central initial and developing a cohesive storyline through visual motifs—transforming decorative art into meaningful narrative illumination.
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What You Will Learn
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Historical and symbolic foundations of illuminated borders
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How to design a narrative layout using acanthus and botanical motifs
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Sketching and inking ornamented initials
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Painting techniques in gouache or watercolor
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Flat gilding and Raised gilding application
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Planning and completing a one-page illumination with a central text
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Workshop Details
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Level: All level, students will have options of the design. Also Suitable for beginners with drawing experience to intermediate artists and calligraphers
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Students will complete the course with a finished illuminated border piece, portfolio inclusion, or further development
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All the necessary techniques will be taught including: Flat & Raised Gilding, Shell Gold Painting, Watercolour / Gouache painting, mixing colour, blending, etc.
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Students will have an option to create their own piece or following the ready made design by Martha.
Workshop Schedule
Lesson 1
Sunday, 7 September, 2025
13:00 pm - 15:30 pm (Hong Kong Standard Time)
Lesson 2
Sunday, 14 September, 2025
13:00 pm - 15:30 pm (Hong Kong Standard Time)
Lesson 3
Sunday, 21 September, 2025
13:00 pm - 15:30 pm (Hong Kong Standard Time)
Lesson 4
Sunday, 28 September, 2025
13:00 pm - 15:30 pm (Hong Kong Standard Time)
Lesson 5
Sunday, 5 October, 2025
13:00 pm - 15:30 pm (Hong Kong Standard Time)
Note to Students
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This is a live online workshop via Zoom (please make sure you have a Zoom account to access the workshop)
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All live lessons will be recorded and available for 90 days following the final lesson.
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All recordings expires on Sunday, 4 January, 2025 at 12:00 pm Hong Kong Standard Time.
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Student can submit homework to the discussion board for Martha to critique.
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Workshop handouts (if any), zoom links and recordings are available on the workshop page one week (or as soon as practicable) before the first lesson.
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All workshop dates and times are according to the Hong Kong Standard Time.
Recommended Workshop Supplies
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Click here for the supplies list recommended for this workshop.
Workshop Boarding Page (Only for Enrolled Students)
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If you have not logged in, click here to access the instructions on how to access your workshop.
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If you have already logged in, click here to access your workshop boarding page directly.
Refund Policy
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All sales are final and fees paid for the online workshop are non-refundable.


