Thomas Keyes

Manuscript illuminator

©Thomas Keyes

©Samir atmane

©Thomas Keyes

©Samir atmane

Lost Medieval manuscript revival

Thomas is a self-taught insular manuscript illuminator
His work combines graffiti writing and manuscript art letter writing traditions
He reconstructed the ancient Portmahomack parchment making technique

Thomas Keyes is a self-taught insular manuscript illuminator. His work sits in the space created by 1980s New York graffiti culture and 5th-century manuscript art book culture. These two letter-writing traditions washed up on the shores of Ireland 1500 years apart yet share much in form, content and cultural application. Thomas’ interest in calligraphic art began as a graffiti writer in Belfast. When he moved to the rural Scottish Highlands he began making parchment from the saved skins of roadkill deer and has reconstructed the Portmahomack technique, using "many processes that have changed little over thousands of years.” Thomas works with the traditional craft methods of ancient Gael craft and creates his own tools and pigments using medieval chemistry.

Interview

©Rachel Keyes

©Thomas Keyes

What led to your interest in manuscript art?: I was fascinated with Irish history and famous manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, so I researched the topic seriously. I learned that a lot of the craft processes were lost. The only evidence for insular manuscript production was discovered at Portmahomack, near my Cromarty studio.
What inspires your designs?: My designs are inspired by the geometric techniques of original manuscripts, Gaelic literature and oral culture, medieval biblical imagery and contemporary styles and themes such as climate change, the threat of AI and graffiti scripts.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: The parchment and pigments are made by reconstructing traditional techniques exactly. Design-wise, I innovate the geometry of the ratios medieval artists used, breaking up rectangles and adding exploding borders and fire to the artwork to give the piece a sense of movement. I occasionally use graffiti scripts in the calligraphy and tackle contemporary themes.
What cultural impact does your craft have?: It has a big impact. All my processes are local, sustainable and very small-scale. The artwork will last for millennia without any special treatment. My craft can give insight into the story behind the Book of Kells, the greatest treasure of Gaelic culture. I can reciprocate the benefit I get from the Gaelic stories by creating work that helps preserve them for future generations.

Thomas Keyes is a rising star: he began his career in 2016