The very first original illuminated manuscript Master Penmen and Illuminator Rosemary Buczek ever saw was created by the Chair of the Art Department of Caldwell College in New Jersey. The leather-strapped manuscript’s delicate translucent vellum pages revealed a story beautifully written in pen and ink and decorated in gold. It was then that her heart was captured.

Often described as one of the finest modern-day practitioners of the art of engrossing, Buczek combines her calligraphic skills with illumination and gilding techniques to create beautiful one-of-a-kind cards and manuscripts. Her work is held in private collections worldwide. Her art work has been presented to President Obama, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict among many others.

Buczek is a member of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) and the Society of Scribes (New York).

Rosemary Buczek graduated from Caldwell College, New Jersey, in 1971 with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. She began freelance work from her home and in 1987 formally opened her studio, “The Gilded Quill”. Rosemary’s love of the Medieval Manuscripts of the Medieval Ages has influenced her designs and use of color. She combines her calligraphic skills with illuminations including gilding techniques to produce resolutions, certificates, hand lettered books and illuminated manuscripts of her own design.

Rosemary’s skills have been recognized by the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) whereby she achieved the title of “Master Penman”, and served two terms as President. Her studio and outstanding work have been featured in newspapers and magazines. In addition, she was asked to write the forward to Margaret Morgan's book, "The Bible of Illuminated Letters" published in 2006.

Some of Rosemary's clients include: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, The Association of the United States Army; Prudential Financial; Sony; AT&T; Exxon; Rutgers University; The American Petroleum Institute; The United States Golf Association; The National Institute of Packaging, Handling and Logistic Engineers; The National Tooling and Machining Association; The Society for Scientific Exploration; Montgomery County Bar Association of Maryland; New Jersey School of Medicine and Dentistry; and many others. A piece of her work, which can be viewed on this website, entitled San Giuseppe, was recently awarded Third Place in an International Competition in Italy. In addition, Rosemary’s work is held in private collections in countries around the world. Recently, Rosemary completed pieces that were presented to Pope Benedict (Saint Joseph’s Prayer) and President Obama (The Gettysburg Address) for the rededication of Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.

Rosemary has taught many workshops around the country where she has shared her skills in gilding, drawing and designing with the illuminated letter, as well as painting techniques. This internationally distinguished artist is currently working on lettering, illuminating and illustrating a children’s book.
Rosemary and her husband, Steve, have five grown children and now have twelve grandchildren.