Illuminated manuscript

An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript, especially of a religious nature, in which the script is supplemented by the addition of colourful ornamentation, e.g. illuminated initials[?], borders and the like.

It is said that the illumination of manuscripts came about through the boredom felt by the monks in the scriptorium[?] due to the repetitive nature of their copying. To entertain themselves, they first added mice or birds.......

Motifs are taken from heraldry or religious symbolism....

Techniques

Some of the techniques used are:

• miniatures
• strapwork
• gold leaf
• powdered gold
• Celtic knotwork

Famous illuminated manuscripts

• The Book of Kells
• The Book of Durrow[?]
• The Lindisfarne Gospels
• Ranworth Antiphoner

More to follow.....