Archaeological finds reports are usually accompanied by illustrations of the objects. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and a good illustration can convey the object far more accurately than a written description.

There are cases when photographs of the object can be used as well as drawings, but the illustrator's skill lies in suppressing unnecessary detail and clarifying those aspects of the object which are most important. Several different views of the object, and sections through it, can all be incorporated into one scale drawing.

Precise measurement is the key to accurate illustration

The illustrator will usually discuss the object with the finds researcher before starting the drawing, to agree which views are necessary and the scale at which the final drawing will be published. The illustrator will then prepare pencil drawings, which will be checked before final inked drawings are completed.

The techniques of the archaeological illustrator are closely related to those of engineering or architectural drawing: the main aim is clarity and accuracy of recording, rather than artistic interpretation. Attention to detail, a good eye and a steady hand are essential.

Capital with stiff-leaf foliage (late 12th–early 13th century) re-used in
wall foundations of a building in Coppergate.
Original drawing at 1:1 was reduced to 1:4 for publication
Much illustration work is now produced digitally

Traditionally illustrations are done in pen and ink for black and white publication, but recently computer drawing and imaging packages have given the illustrator a much broader range of options.

 

Drawing of Iron Age mirror from Desborough, Northants; artwork created in Adobe Illustrator® and Adobe Photoshop®.
© Lesley Collett 1999

 
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