Heraldic Art and Design

Part 1 Introduction: first principles; artistic development; the law of arms and the artist. Part 2 The elements of design: approaching heraldic design - the outline, arrangement of charges, improving heraldic design, geometrical shapes, helms, geometrical charges, mantling; the shield and its treatment - lions as charges, eagles as charges, geometrical shapes as charges; helms, armour and weapons - helms, armous, weapons; crests and supporters; the Lambrequin or mantling; crowns and coronets; mottoes, ribbons and compartments; ecclesiastical arms. Part 3 Techniques and materials: colours or tinctures - hatching lines, diaper, types of colours, making corrections, calligrapher's stick ink, choice of colours, techniques in using tools, using the spring-bow compass, paper and board, vellum; gilding techniques - the method of making gesso sottile; heraldry and the scribe - lettering and calligraphy; working methods, Margaret Wood.