Scrolls
Illumination Styles for Scrolls
Renaissance White Vine
The Renaissance White Vine design originates from Rome in the 15th century. The letter or number is gilded in 22ct gold and surrounded by white vines curling around the gold. The background is traditionally painted red, blue and green, before tiny dots are applied.
Prices: £72 – £125
Roman
The classic Roman capital inspires this design. A letter or numeral is gilded in 22ct gold then placed on a dark background of navy blue, purple or burgundy. The ‘cushion’ effect is achieved by adding tiny dots of gold.
Prices: £67 – £115
Gothic
The very earliest illuminators were monks who transcribed and illuminated religious texts. Celtic and Romanesque styles preceded Gothic, which by the 13th century were being made by secular scribes for Kings, princes and wealthy aristocrats. Many variations were used, some with the background gilded and vibrant colours of purple, blue, red, orange and green used for the letters. Shapes were irregular and often adorned with tendrils and leaves.
Prices: £67 – £115
Art Deco
The Art Deco style originated in France in the early 20th century. As well as lettering it influenced the design of furniture, jewellery, interior design and architecture right into the 1930’s. Clean, simple and often geometric lines are the main characteristics and as I illuminate with silver, the soft shades of blue, mauve, grey and pink work best.
Prices: £62 – £90
How It Is Made
Illuminating a letter or number for a scroll
Here we see the RENAISSANCE (white vine) design. 22ct gold leaf is applied to gesso first, before the intricate painting of the background using gouache watercolour paint.
A scroll uses one or two letters (the initials of the names) or numbers for years of an anniversary or birthday.
Being the most complicated to design and paint, two of these illuminations on a large scroll, with additional lettering and presented in a box frame (40 x 30 cm) would cost £125.
Pricing structure
Available Frame Sizes
SMALL – Square frame (25cm x 25cm)
MEDIUM – Rectangular frame (A4: 32cm high x 23cm wide)
LARGE – Rectangular frame (A3: 40cm high x 30cm wide)
Illumination Styles
There are 4 styles of illumination of the initial letters or numbers. They are ART DECO, ROMAN & GOTHIC and RENAISSANCE (White Vine)
Pricing is based on the intricasies of each style but includes all the elements of each design, the box frame, the parchment scroll and calligraphy, finials, tassel and maybe velvet backing and wax seal.
| Illumination Style | Small or Medium Frame | Large Frame |
| Art Deco | 1 illumination: £62 2 illuminations: £72 | 1 illumination: £70 2 illuminations: £90 |
| Roman & Gothic | 1 illumination: £67 2 illuminations: £82 | 1 illumination: £85 2 illuminations: £115 |
| Renaissance | 1 illumination: £72 2 illuminations: Not recommended due to lack of space | 1 illumination: £95 2 illuminations: £125 |
| Illumination Style | Small or Medium Frame | Large Frame |
| Art Deco | 1 illumination: £62 2 illuminations: £72 | 1 illumination: £70 2 illuminations: £90 |
| Roman & Gothic | 1 illumination: £67 2 illuminations: £82 | 1 illumination: £85 2 illuminations: £115 |
| Renaissance | 1 illumination: £72 2 illuminations: Not recommended due to lack of space | 1 illumination: £95 2 illuminations: £125 |
How to Order a Scroll
Every scroll is unique and designed for each customer. A drop down menu of choices, as well as being complicated, could result in a selection of mismatched elements that would not work together.
So please use the contact form below to send me your enquiry. Alternatively you can email me directly at ruthsturgesoriginals@outlook.com
Other information can be sent later, after I let you know that I can make the scroll for when you need it.
What Happens Next
Taking a Commission
So what are the factors that will influence the decision to take a commission?
A large scroll with 2x Renaissance illuminated initials, will take twice as long to make as a simpler Art Deco one with 1x letter in a square frame. I will not take on a commission with not enough time to make it properly.
So when I accept the work I will need the name(s), venue, date, details of what you’d like it to say, the address to send it and so on. At that point I may ask you for a phone number to talk the details through.
When you are happy, I will take a 50% deposit, and send an email with all the details to confirm.