On Thursday 17th September, Stirling Archives hosted a printmaking workshop with leading Scottish printmaker and artist Hugh Bryden. Held at St Ninians Library, the workshop was run with the library’s ‘Chatterbook’ children’s group.
The aim of the workshop was for the group to create their own illuminated letters based on examples held in the Stirling Archives. The main example focused on the illuminated letters found in the 15th Century mass book the Stirling Gradual. The Stirling Gradual was in the possession of the Forresters of Garden, Stirlingshire 1496-1928, who then bequeathed it to the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling.
After a brief introduction, the group were challenged with creating their own illuminated letter. Patterns had to be created in reverse in order to for the print to come out correctly. After drawing their letters and patterns, the group came to printing station where they were tasked with rolling the paint onto their finished letters.
Under the guidance of Hugh Bryden the group successfully managed to create three of their own unique letters. The event was a great success with the groups work proudly on display in St Ninians Library. We have another event planned in November at Central Library with Hugh and were sure it will be another great success!