Illuminated Peacock Border with Lucy Morrish

About the workshop

This one-day immersive workshop invites participants to create a peacock-inspired illuminated border, drawing deeply on the rich decorative story of Leighton House. The peacock, a symbol of immortality, renewal, watchfulness and divine beauty in art, appears throughout visual culture. Within Leighton House, the peacock also carries layered meaning: it reflects the celebration of craftsmanship, ornament, and cross-cultural design. 

Participants will create a hand-painted illuminated border featuring a stylised peacock. The composition will echo the jewel-like pigments, decorative details and gold leaf found within the interiors of Leighton House.

Practising artist, Lucy Morrish, will guide you through creating your own luminous, hand-crafted artwork on vellum, that you can take home and even frame. Techniques you'll learn include: 

• Transferring the design onto vellum
• Inking the drawing using walnut ink, echoing historic manuscript practices 
• Preparing and applying the gold size (gum ammoniac) 
• Laying genuine gold leaf 
• Building colour in layered washes inspired by traditional medieval pigments 
• Adding final details and refinement, bringing the peacock’s form and ornament to life

 Useful Information

• All materials and equipment provided including genuine gold leaf, traditional gold size (gum ammoniac), walnut ink for drawing on vellum, artist-quality paints inspired by historical pigments, fine brushes suitable for miniature work and natural calfskin vellum, prepared for illumination.
• All abilities welcome, the workshop offers something for every level.
• Tea and Coffee provided. There is a cafe onsite where you can buy a variety of sandwiches, bakes and hot and cold drinks. 
• The workshop will take place in the Learning Centre at Leighton House. The ticket includes access to the historic house on the day during opening hours (10am - 5:30pm).
• 25% off for members of The Friends (Under 30's). Join the Friends today!

About Lucy Morrish

Lucy Morrish was awarded a scholarship from the A.G. Leventis Foundation to study for a Master’s Degree at The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts, graduating with Distinction. During her time there, she developed a particular affinity for illuminated manuscripts and the techniques of historical book arts. She continues to paint for private clients and exhibitions, including being chosen to work alongside two other fine artists on the Fortnum and Mason Coronation Collection for King Charles III. Her work has been shown at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Dumfries House in Scotland, the Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mayfair, The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, Conquest House in Canterbury, and at charitable events including a ball at The Savile Club in Mayfair, among many others. Alongside her studio practice, Lucy teaches illumination and traditional arts, sharing the historical techniques passed down through her training.

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