Icon Painting Retreat

These five-day courses with professional iconographer Peter Murphy are suitable for all levels including beginners.

Participants will learn the traditional techniques and ancient methods for producing their own hand-painted icon in the Byzantine style. Each course will concentrate on reproducing either a half-length or head and shoulders icon from a number of prototypes, including Christ, The Mother of God and various different saints such as St Francis and St Nicholas.

Over the week the course members will learn traditional gilding techniques with 24-carat gold leaf for backgrounds and halos and how to make and use egg tempera paint fresh each day from free-range egg yolks and organic mineral pigments. 

As the course unfolds and participants settle into the gentle and prayerful daily rhythm of painting and gilding Peter will introduce course members to the fundamental theological principles involved in the creation of an icon, its spiritual meaning and symbolism.

All materials, including a handmade gessoed Serbian lime wood icon panel, gold leaf and organic mineral pigments, stage-by-stage worksheets and the use of specialist gilding tools and professional quality paint brushes are included in the price of the course.

All participants need to bring to the course is themselves, an apron, a good pair of scissors, and an open mind.

Peter Murphy

Peter Murphy was born in Leeds and was educated at the University of East London. He trained with iconographer Guillem Ramos Poqui in London. He was Vice Chairman of the Society of Tempera Painters and is a member of the British Association of Iconographers. He has been commissioned by a number of churches in the UK and has also been employed by a number of museums and has recently undertaken three major commissions for Hereford Cathedral. For more information about Peter and his work please visit: petermurphyicons.co.uk

Retreat price: Standard Room (4 nights): £910.00  |  Character Room (4 nights) £980.00  | Additional (Sunday) night: £95.00 |  Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay.

Click here to book your place on this retreat now:

For any questions, or queries or if you’d like to know more, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: [email protected]

Some of Peter’s work, and photos from previous retreats at Launde Abbey: