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The Medieval Nativity
5 Sundays | 22 November - 20 December 2026 | 4 - 6pm (UK time)
The pages of medieval manuscripts were once alive with rich colour, intricate detail and shimmering gold. We will explore the beauty and craftsmanship of this remarkable artistic tradition.
In this live five-week workshop, you will learn to paint your own interpretation of a Nativity miniature by the Florentine illuminator Don Silvestro dei Gherarducci. Together, we will explore traditional techniques of transferring the design, building layers of colour, painting delicate details and applying gold, working step by step in a calm and focused online studio setting.
This workshop is suited to anyone with a basic confidence in drawing and painting. No formal art training is required, and self-taught artists are very welcome.
A recommended materials list with suggested suppliers will be provided after booking.
Please note: As everyone works at a different pace, you may not complete the painting during the five live sessions. You will receive guidance throughout each stage, giving you the skills and confidence to continue and complete your miniature in your own time.
What You'll Paint
A Nativity from the late fourteenth century
Inspired by the Florentine illuminator Don Silvestro dei Gherarducci, this richly decorated Nativity brings together luminous gold, vibrant colour and intricate botanical ornament.
Discover the art of medieval illumination
Explore the techniques behind medieval manuscript painting, from building layers of colour on vellum and painting delicate details to recreating the exquisite foliage and ornamental borders.
Learn traditional gilding techniques
Discover how gold brings light and radiance to medieval imagery, as you are guided through the process of tran your design, painting your miniature and applying gold.
Your Tutor
Lucy Thomasin Morrish is an artist specialising in illuminated manuscript techniques, including gilding and decorative lettering. Her practice draws inspiration from medieval manuscripts and historical craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
In this workshop, Lucy guides students step by step through the process of designing, painting and gilding their own medieval initial, creating a focused and supportive online studio environment.
Investment
£155 per person
A five-week workshop for those with a confident foundation in drawing and painting. No formal art training is required.
Five live online sessions (10 hours total)
Step-by-step demonstrations and guidance
Recommended materials list and supplier links provided after booking
Session recordings available to participants
Time for questions and individual feedback
A focused workshop exploring the traditional techniques of medieval manuscript illumination, with guidance throughout each stage of the painting process.
Essential Materials
Students will need a selection of basic materials to take part in the workshop, including:
• A4 hot press (smooth) watercolour paper (vellum optional)
• HB pencil
• Small round brushes (sizes 4/0 and 2 recommended)
• Watercolour or gouache paints
• Tracing paper and masking tape
Students may choose to use gold ink or genuine gold leaf, depending on preference and budget.
Additional specialist materials will be needed for the gilding and illumination stages. A detailed materials list, including suggested suppliers, will be sent after booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at lucymorrish96@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
This workshop is suited to anyone with a basic confidence in drawing and painting. No formal art training is required, and self-taught artists are very welcome.
A recommended materials list will be provided after booking, with suggested suppliers. Students may work on vellum or paper and can choose to use real gold leaf or an alternative.
The workshop is designed to take you through the complete painting process, but everyone works at a different pace. You may need additional time outside the live sessions to complete your painting. You will receive guidance throughout the workshop so that you can confidently continue working independently.
Live attendance is recommended so you can ask questions and receive feedback, but recordings of each session will be available to participants.
All sessions take place 4–6 pm UK time (BST). If you are joining from another country, please check the time difference before booking.
A recording of the session will be provided so you can catch up in your own time.
The sessions take place live via Zoom. A link will be sent before the first session.
Yes - there will be time for questions and individual guidance throughout the workshop.