Byzantine Icon Painting Masterclass
Sunday 19th - Friday 24th Septembe 2027. Masterclass takes place 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Available spaces
For over a thousand years, Byzantine icons have served as windows onto the divine. Emerging in the early Christian East, these sacred images of Christ, the Virgin and the saints became central to Orthodox worship. After surviving the iconoclastic controversies of the 8th and 9th centuries, they were restored in the Triumph of Orthodoxy (843). Defined by luminous gold grounds, frontal gazes and a symbolic language that transcends naturalism, icons continue a living tradition of prayer and craft. Master iconographer and experienced retreat leader Peter Murphy teams up with North Yorks Art School for a five-day residential course painting in the traditional Byzantine style. Ideal for complete beginners and seasoned icon painters alike, the course covers authentic medieval techniques on a specially prepared wooden panel. You will learn water-gilding with 24-carat gold leaf over clay bole for the background and halo, and how to prepare and use fresh egg tempera made daily from free-range yolks and organic mineral pigments. Step-by-step guidance and worksheets support every stage. All materials and equipment included, including: - Handmade gessoed Serbian lime-wood panel - 24-carat gold leaf - Organic mineral pigments Specialist gilding tools Professional brushes - Worksheets About the Tutor Born in Leeds and trained with Guillem Ramos-Poquí in London, Peter Murphy is a former Vice Chairman of the Society of Tempera Painters and a member of the British Association of Iconographers. He has completed commissions for churches and museums, including major works for Hereford Cathedral. Visit petermurphyicons.co.uk for more. Your stay at Cober Hill Full-board, five-night stay in this historic Victorian mansion set in beautiful grounds on the edge of the North York Moors, near the heritage coast. Evening activities take place on site, with relaxed gatherings in the lounges, optional film or games evenings, and time to enjoy the gardens and grounds. Check-in from 3 pm Sunday 19th September 2027. Check-out by 10.30 am Friday 24th September 2027. A rare chance to work with traditional materials and methods in a supportive setting, guided by an expert practitioner.
Cancellation Policy
Right to Cancel and Receive Reimbursement The statutory 14-day cooling-off period does not apply to accommodation and leisure services provided on specific dates. We offer the following goodwill policy: Cancellation & Refund Policy: More than 12 weeks before arrival: Full refund minus £30 administration fee per person. 6–12 weeks before arrival: 75% refund. 4–6 weeks before arrival: 50% refund. Less than 4 weeks before arrival: No refund. Cancellations must be made in writing to info@bookaclass.com. Refunds (where due) will be processed within 10 business days. Travel / Holiday Insurance Recommendation We strongly recommend that all participants purchase comprehensive travel or holiday insurance at the time of booking. This should cover cancellation or curtailment, medical expenses, personal belongings, and any other relevant risks. We cannot be held responsible for any losses, damages, or additional costs you may incur due to cancellation, illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances if you do not have adequate insurance in place. Rescheduling: Possible up to 8 weeks before arrival (subject to availability). A £30 administration fee applies for changes made later. Our Right to Cancel: We may cancel a residential stay due to insufficient numbers or force majeure. In such cases we will first offer an alternative date before offering a full refund.