Buckland Cross Twin Champion Scrolls - Bardic and A&S

I had been wanting to do scrolls on black paper again, and the baron and baroness of Buckland Cross were kind enough to work with me on the challenges of signing on unique paper. These are a couple of my favorite scrolls I've done to date! The bardic scroll is even written as a poem, which felt appropriate for the challenger.

This was my first event doing the field calligraphy to sign the champion names onto all the scrolls - even one I did not originally write. This was especially nerve-wracking with the black paper, but everything went smoothly.

Words, calligraphy, and illumination by me

The completed scrolls pictured together

Illumination

The 2025 Buckland Cross A&S and Bardic Champion scrolls are sister scrolls modeled after the Sforza black hours.

An illuminated letter D from the Sforza Black Hours

A page of the Sforza black hours - the leaves and circles were the inspiration

A&S Words

Dear ones, subjects, friends and neighbors, gather near and hear Our words as We reflect upon a day of competition and celebration. Today We bore witness to a cornucopia of talents in the arts and sciences. And as We welcome the start of a beautiful new season, so too do We welcome and name

Cailleach Dhe ingen Chiarain

as the premiere Arts and Sciences Champion for the Barony of Buckland Cross. This Champion is the first of many who will use their craft to bring honor and beauty to our Barony. Let all gaze upon their works in awe, and be filled with inspiration. May the arrival of Our Champion herald a vibrant new season of arts and sciences in Our Barony.

Presented by Baroness Yasamin al-Sardaniyya and Baron Muireadhach Ó Cuileannáin at Buckland's Bounty: a Cornucopia of Champions, in the Barony of Buckland Cross, September 13, A.S. LX.

Bardic Words

Dearest gentles hear as We proclaim – 

Today Our Bardic Champion We name!

A cornucopia of verse was woven

But one did stand above to be Our chosen.

Champion, your words have brought you high

as leaves begin to turn and fall is nigh.

And though the light of day is not as long,

We know that you will meet the dark with song!

For Buckland Cross’s bard shall brightly reign,

till autumn’s glory reaches us again.

Your charge, till then, shall be to make Us proud.

In Buckland Cross, We say, let the music be loud!

Presented by Baroness Yasamin al-Sardaniyya and Baron Muireadhach Ó Cuileannáin to

Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain

at Buckland's Bounty: a Cornucopia of Champions, in the Barony of Buckland Cross, September 13, A.S. LX.