Order of the Willow - October 2014

The Order of the Willow is an award given by the crown to those who have shown proficiency in the arts. The recipients are known by the badge blazoned: Purpure, a willow tree eradicated Or. This award is equal to the awards: Order of the Silver Oak.

• Direct Link: Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library.
• Title: Book of Hours, Use of Sarum (‘House of Eleanor Worcester’)
• Origin: France (Rouen), 1430-1440

The Order of the Willow was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink using a C3 nib. The text reads as follows:

Draw near and hear the words of AnnMarie, Royal Patroness of the arts and Cadogan our King. We are pleased to recognize Trisola Ducci for her artistry in the field of drama and wish to name her a companion of Our Order of the Willow with the right to bear the badge: Purpure, a willow tree eradicated Or. Done by Our hands this fourth of October, AS XLIX (49) in Our Marche of Tirnewydd at Red Dragon.

When I received the assignment, I began my usual Internet stalking research about Trisola and was pleasantly surprised to realize I had seen her around before, primarily as one of the pilgrims in the Pennsic Players Canterbury Tales. I admit, it’s my first time going to see a PP production, but my dear sister Ginevra was also cast as a pilgrim in a few of the tales, so how could I resist? As it turns out, Trisola is a veterinary doctor working with exotic birds and an archer, so rather than focus on a Tales reference, I went with a nod towards her areas of interest.

Also, please remember to buy more pergamenata, gouache, and a smaller nib before Regular Event…

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.