This year, 2022, as in previous years I shall be running a five-day icon workshop on May 9-13 and on September 19-23, at beautiful Walcot Hall in Lydbury North, Shropshire (SatNav SY7 8AU) (http://www.walcothall.com/).
In the May workshop we shall concentrate on the full figure (with an emphasis on proportion and drapery), and in September on the face and hands, so that icon will be a bust (waist up). There will be a talk with slides at each workshop. The theology of the icon is taught in the context of learning the technique.
The course caters both for the inexperienced and the more experienced.
This long-awaited book on the icons of the fourteen major feasts of the Orthodox Church is the most comprehensive work on the subject in the English language. Richly illustrated, it first describes how each feast developed over time, then maps how their icons evolved from the early centuries, and finishes with a detailed examination of each festal icon’s most recognizable form. This story encompasses not only panel icons, but also frescos, mosaic, metalwork, embroidery and reliefs carved in stone, ivory and wood.
Christian feasts such as Christmas and Easter form the weft of the Christian year, for Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican alike. The book reveals how festal icons are a heritage common to both western and eastern Christendom, the opening chapter charting this interrelationship between east and west in their development.
This study draws together recent scholarship and the warmth of faith. It is an invaluable reference book for all those interested in delving deeper into the world of icons, be they newcomers or scholars.
What some have said about the book:
“Festal Icons: History and Meaning takes a refreshing and welcome approach, moving from historical context to the renewal of the tradition today. Aidan Hart marshals his deep knowledge of the underlying theology of icons and their symbolic content as well as their use in liturgical and festival settings through the ages. Sumptuously illustrated with icons he created (‘prayer without ceasing’, as Hart has said of his process), as well as a veritable museum of comparative images, this new book will be an excellent addition to any sacred art bibliography or syllabus.” (Dr Kathryn R. Barush, Associate Professor of Art History and Religion Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California)
“An illuminating and richly illustrated discussion of the evolution and symbolic structure of some of the most familiar narrative icons of the Eastern Christian tradition. Written in an engaging and accessible style, Hart systematically explores the theological meanings and social history of the fourteen major icons of the liturgical year, known as Feast or Festal icons. Written by a renowned iconographer and teacher of iconography, Festal Icons: History and Meaning is alive with fresh insights, offering new layers of understanding for art historians, iconographers and iconophiles alike.” (Dr Sophie Matthiesson, Senior Curator, International Art Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki)
I have almost finished the text for a new book on the history and meaning of the fourteen Great Festal icons. This promises to be the most comprehensive book on the subject yet published in English, with at least thirty pages dedicated to each feast and amply illustrated. Please drop me an email if you wish to be notified when it is published at mail@aidanharticons.com.
The cancelled 2020 trip to St Catherine’s, Mount Sinai has been rescheduled to 1-8 April 2022. Book soon! I shall be the speaking guide for this trip to one of the great icon centres of the world. For details see Icons at St Catherine – Wind Sand & Stars Icons at St Catherine.
The BBC World Service have broadcast a 30 minute interview of Aidan by Phil Pegum, “In the Studio: Creating an Icon”. It can be listened to at any time on their website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csz1zm
