These are designs taken from the Illuminated manuscripts of the Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Durrow.

These are painted on vellum (calf skin), using natural handmade dyes (such a woad), 24 carat gold leaf and shell gold.

All are less than 3 x 3 inches

I thoroughly enjoyed this project because it made me take a fresh look at traditional design, decoration and embellishment from the British Isles. I developed an appreciation for the bright, vivid colours and highly ornate designs. For this project, I researched the monastic traditions of the community in Iona founded by St Columba, and the community served by St Aidan on the island of Lindisfarne.