‘As I prepare the vellum, soft clouds of sandarac and pumice rise, fragrant like incense caught in the rays of the sunlight. The ink is ground, like the colour of the darkest gemstones, the goose quills are trimmed, Gold leaf sits on a suede cushion, glinting. Gesso is prepared from plaster, white lead, animal glue, spring water, a bed for the gold. Pigments sparkle in their palettes, colours that my craft ancestors could only dream of. Hematite burnishers and sable brushes in battle array. I am very aware at these moments of my medieval craft ancestors and the fantastic tradition I am continuing. These very acts of preparation are in themselves humble contemplative processes.’

- Andrew Jamieson

The Saint Peter Codex will be produced using the finest materials. Calf skin vellum carefully selected and prepared English and French superior gold leaf either applied loose or by transfer ‘Shell Gold’, gold leaf from France expertly ground into the finest powder and mixed with Gum Arabic and pure spring water. Burnished with hematite and agate. Goose and swan quills prepared and cut Steel nibs. Chinese stick ink ground on slate and mixed with the purest spring water, along with gouache, acrylic, and watercolour pigments