Buckfast Abbey Icon Workshop

This Icon Workshop is led by Dom Alex Echeandía Loro who is very well known for his particular skill. The subjects of this year's workshops are St John the Baptist Icon 7th – 12th September and St George Icon 14th – 19th September. This course is aimed at intermediate students, but beginners are also welcome.
Each week is a complete course so please select the week you prefer from the drop down below.

Monday 7th - Saturday 12th September 2026 St John the Baptist Icon
Monday 14th - Saturday 19th September 2026 St George Icon
Cost: £ 430 per person per week

This six-day workshop, offers an opportunity to learn and practice the art of writing icons, in the contemplative calm of a Benedictine monastery, exploring the techniques and understanding of iconography. Each day will begin with a demonstration of the techniques to be used and the day is spent painting, with support and accompaniment from Dom Alex. The designs will be applied to the board, and the colour layers built up to complete the icon.

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST ICON (07TH-12TH/09/26)
All iconographic images of John the Baptist underline that he was a Forerunner of Christ, one who preceded the Lord and prepared His way. John the Forerunner said of Christ, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because he existed before me." (Jn 1:30). Christ calls John the Baptist "the greatest of all prophets". The ministry of John the Baptist anticipates the ministry of Christ Himself. He is the true forerunner of Christ, even though he still belongs to the Old Testament.

ST GEORGE ICON (14TH-19TH/09/26)
It is thought that St. George lived in the third century and came from Asia Minor or one of the surrounding countries such as Lebanon or Palestine. With such an early and widespread devotion to St George, his image became, and remains, consistent, being based on his actual physical appearance in the world. He is shown as a youth (beardless), with rows of curly brown hair. He is dressed as a soldier and depicted in.

Cost, £430 pp for the Workshop includes lunch, tea and coffee during the day and a prepared gessoed icon board and pigments.

Accommodation Is available in our onsite hotel Northgate House Hotel, please enquire direct and mention you are attending the Icon Workshop to achieve a special discount. The cost is £120.00 per night for an ensuite room, including continental breakfast and 2 course dinner (excluding drinks). Tel: 01364 645630.

To find out more and to book, please visit our website: https://www.buckfast.org.uk/events/icon-workshop/