A 21st Century Illuminator creates a 21st Century Illuminated Manuscript!

Calligraphers and illumination artists were jobs in the middle ages. However, they are also jobs in the 21st century! In 1998 a group of people at St. John's Abby and University met with master calligrapher Donald Jackson to start a project to create the first handwritten bible since the invention of the printing press! The bible is called The St. John's Bible. It is seven volumes, each 2 feet tall, and 3 feet wide when opened! It is made of vellum, has about 160 illuminations, and cost about $8 million dollars to produce!

To learn a little more about this modern day illuminated manuscript, go to this web page and click on Layout & Design and Tools and Materials. 

Click Here!

Young historians just like you study the art of illuminating letters! Below is a video of illuminated letter artwork created by elementary students.

The Making of an Illuminated Manuscript

Monks preserve history in illuminated manuscripts.

As you listen to the lyrics of the song sung on this video, you will hear a variety of the materials used to make the illuminations. Enjoy!

There were many steps necessary to make an illuminated manuscript, and a number of people were involved in the process. Go to this web site to find out more. Click Here!!!