Posted by Edward Mills
7 July 2025This month sees the start of Archaeology UK’s Festival of Archaeology, with events taking place across the country. Locally, St. Nicholas’ Priory, the site of a former Benedictine foundation located in the heart of Exeter that has previously featured on this blog, will be opening for a range of events throughout the coming weeks. Artist, author, and friend of the Centre for Medieval Studies, Viktor Athelstan, will be on-site throughout the events, where he’ll be live-painting medieval-inspired watercolors. Viktor will be wearing his Norman monk kit (authentic) and selling watercolors (non-authentic).
During live painting, Viktor will take commissions and you can watch him paint your very own medieval monk/nun, Roman soldier, Tudor person, medieval creature, or medieval tile design. He is also happy to answer questions about monastic life and his art while he paints.
He already has an abundance of watercolors available. Subjects include, but are not limited to, medieval monks, monsters, and stained glass. Sales benefit St. Nicholas Priory and the artist.
Viktor Athelstan’s live painting takes place on 19th-21st July, 26th-28th July, and 2nd-3rd August. (Note: If the weather is extremely hot during the festival, Viktor may not wear his habit.)
