owain’s pelican

I was delighted to create the scroll for Owain Weale’s Pelican elevation. Design, calligraphy, and illumination based on an 11th century Welsh manuscript called the Rhygyfarch (Ricemarch) Psalter, and text based on a 12th century Welsh poem by Owain Cyfeiliog called “Hirlas Owain”, all done by me. Full writeup to come.

Let the cup-bearer fill the horn full joyously,
by the great bright fire’s light and torches gleam,
and bring a brimming draft of mead to the hand of Owain Weale,
for the depth of their service.

Pour out the sweet strained drink,
whose brew is foaming like to Atlantia’s sea,
& toast this orb weaver
who knits Our land with fibers of connection.

Bring this spinner of webs the horn of honor,
and give to them in this shining court of Randall of the golden spear & Iul’iana of the silver sword
a white-plumed bird,
great in its generosity & wise in its countenance.
Let their arms,
per chevron purpure & sable, a chevron argent & in base a wheel Or,
be Pelican-lofted,
so none shall e’er match them.

Pronounced this 1st day of March, AS LIX.
where Kingdom Arts & Sciences flow.