Celtic Design: A Beginner's Manual

by Aidan Meehan

A study in the CELTIC DESIGN series of all the simplest forms of Celtic design, with instructions on how to draw and decorate letters in an authentic Celtic style as well as how to create illuminated manuscript pages.

Genres: Art, Reference, Crafts, Nonfiction, Unfinished, Design

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 1991

Reviews

[Morvling Bookink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celts have very complicated art and fonts that's for sure.

[Gary Colcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to a complex subject. Aidan starts with simple geometric patterns, covers the basic Irish font, has a look at some fascinating roundels and finally covers the basic tools of the trade, such as grade of paper, ink and the methods of securing and using them all. The one aspect of borders and knots that I felt was missing, and is present, if memory serves in the McBain book, is the art of going round corners!

Still, I would recommend it highly as a starting point in basic Celtic design. Now all I need is time to put pen to paper! :)

[Johanna Cormier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was actually quite helpful in designing Celtic patterns and I was glad I purchased it.

[Brad Rose]

This has really good examples of half-uncial script (aka insular). It is the best treatment of this script I have found yet.

[GaryandRuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to a complex subject. Aidan starts with simple geometric patterns, covers the basic Irish font, has a look at some fascinating roundels and finally covers the basic tools of the trade, such as grade of paper, ink and the methods of securing and using them all. The one aspect of borders and knots that I felt was missing, and is present, if memory serves in the McBain book, is the art of going round corners!

Still, I would recommend it highly as a starting point in basic Celtic design. Now all I need is time to put pen to paper! :)

[Roberto Zanasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'arte del disegno celtico: le basi.