It is just possible that after the gilding has been done it will be noticed that the gold-leaf has adhered to the surface of the vellum in parts where it was not intended. Brushing the surface with the camel-hair mop is not sufficient to remove this. It, however, can generally be cleaned by means of kneaded rubber. There is no need to use any friction; if it is pressed on the parts and lifted again it will pick up the leaf from the vellum. Care should be taken, however, to avoid touching the surface of the raised gold, as it is very liable to spoil the appearance of it.
After the gilding is completed, the colouring should be proceeded with. The large masses of colour are laid in first, then the white lining on the colour, and finally the outline. If the surface of the vellum is at all inclined to be greasy it may be advisable to use a little oxgall with the colour.
The various other suggestions shown in [Fig. 31] practically explain themselves; (b) and (c) are different methods of spacing the decoration. Two more initials are shown, also the construction of the decoration and other suggestive details.
Illuminated Altar Tablet.
CHAPTER XIX
THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ILLUMINATION
The style of decoration suggested in the previous chapter was based, to a large extent, on pen-work. The examples indicated in [Fig. 32] show a further development, in which brush-work plays a more prominent part.
A suggestion for an illuminated version of the Twenty-third Psalm is shown in (d). The decoration here may appear somewhat stiff, but it is difficult to show in black and white the effect that colour gives. This simple and somewhat severe type of decoration is, however, much easier for the beginner than the freer kind of ornament.