The Getty Museum at the J. Paul Getty Trust

Gold has come to epitomize the art of medieval manuscript painting, used not only for its incorruptibility, purity, and high value as a material but also for its spiritual connotations. By approaching this beguiling material in a survey of its various uses, application methods, and embellishment techniques, Nancy Turner, conservator of manuscripts and exhibition curator, highlights manuscripts from the Getty’s collection and and surveys the variety of materials and methods employed by medieval illuminators. Free; advance ticket required.

Thursday, October 20, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Lecture Hall

Artists Daniel Kelm and Timothy Ely, who engage with themes of alchemy, chemistry, and the hermetic tradition in their handmade books, discuss the relevance of alchemy for contemporary artistic practice. Free; advance ticket required.

Thursday, October 27, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Lecture Hall

Join renowned book artist Daniel Kelm in an exploration of the use of gold in medieval manuscripts. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of chemistry and alchemy, Kelm investigates the philosophical underpinnings of alchemy and how gold relates to the Humors and other alchemical concepts as he demonstrates techniques for working with gold, including gold leaf on paper and leather and making powdered gold for paint. Free, drop-in program.

Friday, October 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Studios

Medieval and Renaissance paintings and illuminations are alive with color and shimmer with gold. Drop by as artist Sylvana Barrett explores how these beautiful and exotic colors were made and demonstrates techniques for creating elaborate gold gilding. Free, drop-in program.

Sunday, November 27, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 22, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 30, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 3, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 8, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Studios

Join renowned book artist Timothy C. Ely for a special, two-day workshop investigating creative materials and methods for producing a contemporary manuscript page.  Inspired by alchemical laboratories, cathedral architecture and medieval manuscripts, participants explore notions of illumination and concealment while employing traditional and invented symbols and codes for a modern take on a historical practice. Course fee $155 (includes materials and Day 1 lunch). Complimentary parking.

Day I: Wednesday, October 26, 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Day 2: Thursday, October 27, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Studios

Journey to the medieval world in this culinary workshop led by educator and chef Nancy DeLucia Real. Participants visit the exhibitions The Alchemy of Color in Medieval Manuscripts and The Art of Alchemy, explore connections between food, color, science, and alchemy, then prepare a class feast for the eyes, body, and spirit. Course fee $95. Complimentary parking. Tickets available beginning Tuesday, November 1.

Thursday, December 8, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Repeats Friday, December 9.
Getty Center, Private Dining Room

Experience Derek Jarman's extraordinary film Blue, a feature-length poetic mediation on color, death, and the void. Presented outdoors on the Getty's Garden Terrace overlooking sweeping views of Los Angeles, the film's projection of pure monochrome blue is set against the deepening night sky. This unique screening event includes a surround-sound experience of Jarman's courageous and moving text narrated by Tilda Swinton, Nigel Terry, and John Quentin, and the exceptional ambient musical soundtrack by Simon Fisher Turner with Brian Eno, Coil, and others.

Friday, November 4, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Free; advance ticket recommended
Garden Terrace

Nancy Turner, conservator of manuscripts and exhibition curator, the J. Paul Getty Museum, leads a gallery tour of the exhibition. Meet under the stairs in the Entrance Hall. Sign-up begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Information Desk. Capacity limited.

Wednesday, November 2 and 16, 2:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum galleries