Colouring the Medieval World

This event will take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre. It will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person (physical) or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up. Viewing links for the online version will be sent out shortly before the event. 

So often the scribes, artists and illuminators creating mediaeval and Renaissance manuscripts are unknown to us, whereas in many cases we know who the books were for and for what purpose. Join Patricia Lovett to shine a spotlight on the skilled scribes responsible for the scripts which still resonate today; the talented artists using jewel-like colours to paint the miniatures, and the illuminators attaching leaves of precious gold to gesso to bring light on to the pages. 

Step inside the writing and illuminations processes that created the magnificent manuscripts in the Medieval Women exhibition! 
Patricia will also be signing and inscribing names calligraphically in her new book The Art of the Scribe. 

Patricia Lovett is a professional calligrapher and illuminator. She has written a number of books on calligraphy and illumination as well as a DVD on illumination, and teaches and lectures all over the world.

This event accompanies the British Library exhibition Medieval Women: In Their Own Words  
(25 October – 2 March 2025) 

Doors and Bar open at 18:00. If you’re attending in person, please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event. Followed by a book signing. 

Half price tickets available for Members, Students, Under 26 and other concession groups.  

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