The Palimpsest Studio

Medieval Art Workshops

The Palimpsest Studio offers talks and workshops that introduce the materials, techniques, and processes used by medieval artisans, from parchment preparation and ink making to manuscript illumination and gilding.

Developed in close dialogue with participants and partners, our programmes are responsive to specific audiences, contexts, and learning goals. We work with individuals, museums, universities, schools, and heritage organisations to design sessions that balance academic grounding with creative exploration, placing material practice at the centre of the experience.

We offer talks and workshops across a range of medieval art and material culture topics and can develop bespoke formats to suit different audiences and settings. Formats range from short introductory sessions to longer masterclasses and study days.

If you would like to work with us, please get in touch.

Selected Past Sessions & Events

  • ‘Writing the Middle Ages: Medieval Calligraphy in Uncial and Gothic’, a half-day calligraphy workshop
  • ‘Making Colour in the Middle Ages: Materials and Methods’, lecture and workshop seminar, Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies MA Programme, University of Kent
  • ‘An Introduction to Medieval Calligraphy’, widening participation session
  • ‘Making Medieval Marginalia’, Heritage Open Days workshops, Scotney Castle (National Trust)
  • ‘The Art of Making Ink: Medieval Methods and Materials’, an interactive demonstration
  • ‘Manuscripts and Murals: A Medieval Painting Workshop’, a ‘Revealing Hidden Spaces and Traditional Crafts’ activity for Heritage Open Days, St Mary’s Church, Beddington
  • ‘Making Manuscripts: A Short History of Medieval Book Production’, an illustrated lunchtime lecture
  • ‘Fresco and Secco: Medieval Painting Practices’, The Canterbury Journey Project, Canterbury Cathedral
  • ‘Pens and Pigments: A Practice-Based Manuscript Workshop​’, co-led with Hannah Lilley, Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) Festival
  • ‘A Monk’s Life’, Canterbury Journey Project ‘Discovery Days’
  • ‘Illuminating the Past: A Workshop on the Making and Meaning of Gothic Colour’, Eastbridge Hospital
  • ‘MEMS Scriptorium’, with Sophie Kelly and Stuart Morrison, Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) Festival, University of Kent