The Tree of Life

by Aidan Meehan

Published 13 November 1995
The designs and patterns of the Celts, expressed in their metalwork, stonework and jewellery, and continued in the manuscript illumination of Celtic Christianity, are an art form whose legacy has fascinated both Celtic and non-Celtic peoples for centuries. This book adds to the series of practical, step-by-step guides on Celtic design for designers and craftspeople. The tree of life is one of the most popular and enduring motifs in Celtic art, found on Pictish sculpted stone slabs, Celtic and Northumbrian crosses and illuminated manuscripts. This book explores the symbolism and history of the motif and demonstrates its versatility as a design today.

A Beginner's Manual

by Aidan Meehan

Published 2 April 1991
A study in the CELTIC DESIGN series of all the simplest forms of Celtic design, with instructions on how to draw and decorate letters in an authentic Celtic style as well as how to create illuminated manuscript pages.

Knotwork

by Aidan Meehan

Published 2 April 1991
Knotwork and plaitwork are examined in detail against the sacred background from which they sprang, and illustrations of motifs taken from famous brooches and carvings show how Celtic knots can be adapted for all manner craftwork.

Illuminated Letters

by Aidan Meehan

Published 3 August 1992
The step-by-step instructions provide an invaluable resource for artists, designers, and craftspeople--a unique blend of history, anecdote, and practical instruction that recreates the schooling of the Celtic illuminator.

Animal Patterns

by Aidan Meehan

Published 2 March 1992
Over 400 designs of Celtic bird and animal art found on belts, buckles, brooches and other sources.

Maze Patterns

by Aidan Meehan

Published 15 November 1993
The brilliant, beautiful designs, decorations and patterns of the Celts - expressed in their metalwork, stonework and jewellery, and continued in the manuscript illumination of Celtic Christianity - are an astonishing art form whose legacy has fascinated both Celtic and non-Celtic peoples for many centuries right through to the present day. The versatile power of these ornamental designs, and hence their use as a source of inspiration for designers and craftspeople of all kinds, is revealed to the full in this step-by-step guide. Celtic mazes belong to an ancient class of spiral ornament which Celtic artists of the early middle ages developed with unequalled ingenuity and virtuosity. These patterns can even be drawn freehand following the method described here - a technique used by the ancient masters, now rediscovered and clearly illustrated for the first time. The beauty and simplicity of the designs makes them an ideal introduction to Celtic art, comprising delightful calligraphy and illumination which everyone can produce for themselves.

The Dragon and the Griffin

by Aidan Meehan

Published 10 April 1995
The designs and patterns of the Celts, expressed in their metalwork, stonework and jewelry, and continued in the manuscript illumination of Celtic Christianity, are an art form whose legacy has fascinated both Celtic and non-Celtic peoples for centuries. This book adds to the series of practical, step-by-step guides on Celtic design for designers and craftspeople. It studies the intricate dragon and griffin patterns that form the basis of the distinctive style of art that arose after the Viking's invasion of Ireland around 850 AD.

Spiral Patterns

by Aidan Meehan

Published 17 May 1993
The oldest and most characteristically Celtic type of design, spiral patterns illustrate vividly the continuity between pagan and Christian Celtic art. Spirals are a constant presence, from the art of Late Stone Age Central Europe, through megalithic temple sculptures, the La Tene bronzes of the Gauls and Britons, and Pictish jewels, to the marvellous system of Celtic art's golden age in the early middle ages. Aidan Meehan gives detailed practical advice on how to adapt that living tradition to the demands of modem craft and design, with the aid of abundant illustrations.