Martha Laurens - The Radiant Letter: Reviving the Lost Initials -

The Radiant Letter: Reviving the Lost Initials is a gentle, historically grounded introduction to the initials of illuminated manuscripts from the Romanesque era.

In this workshop, students will create one refined illuminated letter inspired by Romanesque manuscript art (c.11th-12th century), using gouache painting, simple gilding, and a guided ornament system. Focusing on one structured initial, the class offers a clear and approachable way to enter the art of illumination through colour, light, form, and balance.

Romanesque manuscript art provides a strong and elegant foundation for beginning illumination. Through a simplified project, students will be introduced to this visual language in a way that remains historically informed while still feeling accessible and achievable.

Students will work from a prepared Romanesque initial template and a guided ornament sheet, allowing them to focus on understanding how illumination is built rather than becoming overwhelmed by complexity or simply replicating historical examples. The workshop also encourages both structure and individuality, so that while all students work within the same historical framework, each finished initial may carry its own character and result. 

What You Will Learn

• The historical and visual foundations of the Romanesque illuminated initial.
• How to work from a prepared illuminated letter template.
• Organise the letter and sketch the ornaments (foliate decorations and zoomorphic elements) into a clear and balanced design.
• Gouache painting techniques for illuminated manuscript work.
• Simple gilding application (shell gold/miniatum ink/Instacoll).
• How to use colour, Romanesque ornamental elements (foliate decorations and zoomorphic elements), and gold in a way that supports the structure of the letter.
• How to plan and complete one finished illuminated initial with clarity, harmony, and historical atmosphere.

Workshop Details - Level: Beginner-friendly, suitable for all levels.

By the end of the workshop, students will complete one framed Romanesque illuminated initial in the style of painted gouache, simple gilded accents, and guided ornamental elements. Students will also gain a clear introduction to how illumination is built through structure, colour, light, and ornament 

The Radiant Letter: Reviving the Lost Initials
Martha Laurens, Hosted By The Gentle Penman

Live (Also recorded for later viewing)

12,19 & 26 May 2026 (Tuesday)
12:00 pm – 14:00 pm (Hong Kong Time)

Class Cost : HKD 1,000.00 or USD 130.00
Registration Link : https://www.thegentlepenman.com/the-radiant-letter-reviving-the-lost-initials

Supply List: