Creative Inspiration Workshop: The Art of Gold Illumination at Barts North Wing, Mon 24 Nov 2025, 2 – 4pm, £35, St Bartholomew's
Join the Barts Heritage team and artist Sarah Davis to learn the technique of illumination on paper in this hands on workshop inspired by the rich architectural history and the ornate gold gilding of the Great Hall at Barts North Wing, St Bartholomew's Hospital.
The event will begin with a tour exploring the exquisite craftsmanship of the Great Hall, with a focus on the site’s gilded ceiling and large painting by William Hogarth. Following the tour, join artist Sarah Davis for a hands-on illumination workshop inspired by the golden details you've encountered, drawing from the building’s ornate design. You will learn the centuries-old technique of gilding with real gold leaf, and create your own illuminated design on paper to take home and treasure.
No prior experience is necessary - just bring your curiosity and creativity as we celebrate the beauty of heritage through the timeless art of illumination.
Who are Barts Heritage?
Barts Heritage is an independent charity formed in 2017. The charity is the custodian of the Grade I listed Barts North Wing and Henry VIII Gatehouse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London. Barts North Wing houses two of England’s most important interiors, the Great Hall, and the Hogarth Stair with its large paintings by William Hogarth.
Barts North Wing is opening to the public in October 2025 after a two year ambitious conservation and restoration project, Sharing Historic Barts. This work has been delivered alongside an engagement programme which will enrich the wellbeing of hospital staff, patients and their visitors, and the general public.
Who is the artist?
Sarah Davis is a multi-media artist exploring themes relating to the cyclical nature of recovery and renewal. Sarah uses traditional making techniques with a deep historical resonance, such as wood carving and illumination. Sarah has been practicing the endangered Art of illumination since 2020 and now teaches widely on the subject. Illumination is the art of applying gold to paper or vellum and using paints and natural pigments to create shimmering miniature images.
Graduating from Chelsea College of art in 2012 with a BA in Fine Art, Sarah returned to education in 2015 to study woodcarving and gilding at the City & Guilds of London Art school, where she now teaches on the woodcarving BA and Conservation BA respectively. She was the Kelmscott Manor Maker in Residence for 2024 and spent the time focussing on the Art of Illumination.
FAQs
What should I bring with me?
We will provide all the materials to paint and gild your own illuminated design with 23ct. gold leaf. We will also have on hand paper and pencils to sketch your initial design. Please feel free to bring your own sketch book as well as preferred pen and pencils if you wish.
Where is the meeting point for the start of the tour?
Please meet at Barts North Wing entrance. The address is St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE.
Is the space fully accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, there is a lift to access the Great Hall at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
Ticket options
Join the Barts Heritage team and artist Sarah Davis to learn the technique of illumination on paper in this hands on workshop inspired by the rich architectural history and the ornate gold gilding of the Great Hall at Barts North Wing, St Bartholomew's Hospital.
The event will begin with a tour exploring the exquisite craftsmanship of the Great Hall, with a focus on the site’s gilded ceiling and large painting by William Hogarth. Following the tour, join artist Sarah Davis for a hands-on illumination workshop inspired by the golden details you've encountered, drawing from the building’s ornate design. You will learn the centuries-old technique of gilding with real gold leaf, and create your own illuminated design on paper to take home and treasure.
No prior experience is necessary - just bring your curiosity and creativity as we celebrate the beauty of heritage through the timeless art of illumination.
Who are Barts Heritage?
Barts Heritage is an independent charity formed in 2017. The charity is the custodian of the Grade I listed Barts North Wing and Henry VIII Gatehouse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London. Barts North Wing houses two of England’s most important interiors, the Great Hall, and the Hogarth Stair with its large paintings by William Hogarth.
Barts North Wing is opening to the public in October 2025 after a two year ambitious conservation and restoration project, Sharing Historic Barts. This work has been delivered alongside an engagement programme which will enrich the wellbeing of hospital staff, patients and their visitors, and the general public.
Who is the artist?
Sarah Davis is a multi-media artist exploring themes relating to the cyclical nature of recovery and renewal. Sarah uses traditional making techniques with a deep historical resonance, such as wood carving and illumination. Sarah has been practicing the endangered Art of illumination since 2020 and now teaches widely on the subject. Illumination is the art of applying gold to paper or vellum and using paints and natural pigments to create shimmering miniature images.
Graduating from Chelsea College of art in 2012 with a BA in Fine Art, Sarah returned to education in 2015 to study woodcarving and gilding at the City & Guilds of London Art school, where she now teaches on the woodcarving BA and Conservation BA respectively. She was the Kelmscott Manor Maker in Residence for 2024 and spent the time focussing on the Art of Illumination.
FAQs
What should I bring with me?
We will provide all the materials to paint and gild your own illuminated design with 23ct. gold leaf. We will also have on hand paper and pencils to sketch your initial design. Please feel free to bring your own sketch book as well as preferred pen and pencils if you wish.
Where is the meeting point for the start of the tour?
Please meet at Barts North Wing entrance. The address is St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE.
Is the space fully accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, there is a lift to access the Great Hall at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
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