Ten Illuminations by Frank Buist

Frank Buist was born in Dundee, Scotland on 25 October, 1895, and passed away in Newbury, Berkshire, England on 1 April, 1995. He was an exceptionally versatile artist and craftsman, an enthusiastic exponent of the Arts and Crafts Movement and an admirer of William Morris. He became a member of the Order of the Cross in his early twenties. The teachings of the recovered Message of the Order, written by J. Todd Ferrier, are the source of the texts inscribed in the manuscripts; these inspired the artist to accomplish his finest works. The calligraphy, gilding and miniature painting are a testimony to his skills. The influence of medieval manuscripts, Gothic architecture and Art Nouveau are evident. The earliest illuminations were accomplished when he was in his forties whilst he completed the finest manuscripts in his eighties.

To mention some relevant highlights in his life, he became passionately interested in the great cathedrals at an early age, visiting them on his bicycle and carrying a special camera which he had put together himself. After he retired at the age of 72 he bought a new bicycle and set off to visit those French cathedrals he had not previously seen. Nothing daunted him. On one occasion he cycled 300 miles in stormy weather from Rimini to Rome over the Apennines. Accommodation was never planned in advance and he is known to have slept in a public park in Palencia, and accept a bath as a bed in a French hotel! He thus became acquainted with the religious monuments of France, Spain and Italy, as well as those of Great Britain; he travelled as far as Istanbul on the Orient Express, visiting the temples and mosques of Turkey, briefly including Greece on his return. At the age of 80 he went to Egypt. His impressions of the architecture in these countries may be perceived in his illuminations. He was happiest when using his creative gifts to depict the beauty that is around us or to reveal his inner visions.

The Order of the Cross is making available reprints of Frank Buist's illuminations at the price of £21 or $35 (US) apiece. Each of the 10 available prints is matted (18" high x 14" wide or 46cm x 36cm) for framing.

You may click on any thumbnail image on this page to see an enlarged version of that illumination.

There are ten illuminations in all, and you can purchase them by printing and filling out the order form and sending to the Order of the Cross in London or the USA. An illustrated brochure is available.

Note: each print is a faithful reproduction of the original and is clearer and shows more detail than is visible in these Web pages.