Further Detail
FORE-EDGE PAINTING is now listed as a critically endangered heritage craft, as there are so few experts left who can do this technique. It is where the page block is fanned out and an image is applied to the stepped surface. If the page edges are themselves gilded or marbled, this results in the image disappearing when the book is relaxed. When re-fanned, the painting magically re-appears. Students need to be moderately adept with fine brushes but not necessarily highly skilled artists to complete and enjoy this workshop.
Skills/Techniques Covered
- an understanding of the history and techniques of fore edge painting
- how to fan and clamp a book for fore edge painting
- layout of the design
- executing the painting on the book edge
Level
This course is designed for a range of abilities including beginners, although see above, students need to be reasonably adept with a small brush.
Materials
Students are welcome to bring their own suitable gilt-edged books and holding clamp. However specially created gilt-edged book-blocks can be purchased at £20 and quality workshop presses will be on loan and offered for sale at £40. Specially printed workshop manuals come free with the course.
The tutor may not have the facilities to take card payments for materials in the workshops. Please remember to bring cash or your cheque book if your course involves buying materials from the tutor.
Please Bring With You
Student will need to supply their own watercolour paints (either tube or pan), mixing plate, ruler, pencils, water container and a variety of watercolour grade brushes including sizes 3 - 5. Students are invited to bring a draft image of their choice complying with a 1:5 format.
We advise that you do not buy any materials required for a course more than two weeks in advance, because occasionally a course is cancelled due to low enrolment.