Archaeological Illustration
The Archaeological Illustration workshop, delivered by Mark Hoyle, an archaeological illustrator, focused on core illustration techniques. Mark focused on identification of material types and objects, artistic interpretation and technical drawing.
Mark's workshop emphasised the role of archaeological illustration within archaeology. Through this workshop, Mark not only discussed the various techniques used in Archaeological Illustration, but also encouraged attendees to consider the skill that goes into it and how this can benefit interpretation.
This section includes key words and definitions, a resource and career advice, along with some further advice from Mark himself.
Scale
Drawing “to scale” means how accurately your drawing represents the real object’s size. For small finds, like pottery, drawings are usually done at a 1:1 scale, meaning the drawing is the same size as the object. For larger objects, a reduced scale such as 1:4 or 1:8 is used. This means that 1 cm on the drawing represents 4 cm or 8 cm on the real object.
Calipers
Calipers are instruments with two adjustable arms or jaws used to measure the dimensions of objects, such as their length, width, thickness, diameter, or depth.
Drafting film
Also known as ‘permatrace’, this material is typically placed over the top of the grid sheet once you have completed your initial drawing using the grids. It is on this drafting film that you can trace over your illustration using ink pens.
Profile gauge
A profile gauge is a tool used to record and measure the shape, contours, or surface roughness of an object, allowing for a more accurate illustration of the profile of that object. It is made up of thin strips of either metal or plastic, which is gently pushed up against the object and then it holds that shape, allowing you to draw around the gauge.
Rim chart
This tool is used to figure out the original full circumference of a rounded piece of pottery, if all you have is a rim sherd. You slide the sherd along the chart until the outer edge coincides exactly with one of the concentric lines on the chart. For older, or more handmade pots, this can be a matter of best fit rather than exact fit.
Orthographic project
This is the technical term for the fact that when drawing pottery you show the vessel in a cutaway side view, meaning both the exterior view and the section view of the vessel is shown in the same two-dimensional drawing.
Drawing conventions
A drawing convention is a standard set of rules, symbols, and techniques used in technical drawings, such as archaeological illustrations, to ensure they are clear, accurate, and easily understood by anyone who creates or uses them.
Stippling
Stippling is an artistic technique used to show changes in the gradient through the application of small dots. In archaeological illustration, it is typically applied on small find objects including coins, pottery and other metalwork to illsutrate changes in the surface, denoting light and shade.
Discover what it was like on the day with our behind-the-scenes reels.
Mark Hoyle
Mark Hoyle (MCIfA) has worked in field archaeology and archaeological illustration for over 30 years. Mark has worked for organisations across the country including clients such as Vindolanda Trust, The Institute of World Archaeology-Butrint, Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Archaeological Unit, Durham University and The Portable Antiquities Scheme, to name a few.
Mark’s illustrations range from the usual pottery, small find and site plan illustrations to digitally created reconstructions of historic landscapes using programmes such as Blender, Daz 3D and Photoshop. A recent large project has been the reconstruction of the Black Lock of Myrton Iron Age settlement of roundhouses, which he produced in multiple sequences in order to display the progressing phases of the site and how it was used, informed by the recent archaeological excavations on this site.
His work has been featured in countless monographs and publications by archaeological units and academics, and are often featured on text panels in museum exhibitions. Mark additionally hosts multiple workshops and courses on illustration, running the regular Illustration Drop-in Sessions with the Museum of Archaeology at Durham. You can discover more about his work on his website: Archaeological Illustration
Question: How does your creative practice feed into the work that you do?
Spending time dedicated to developing the craft and the commitment to making that work better and better each and every day! Learn new software, keep up-to-date with developments within the industry and keep it simple.
Question: How does your creative practice feed into the work that you do?
Key tools are always pencil, paper to begin with, whether its scribbling ideas/concepts or making notes, creative kit like iPad/laptop and essentials to measure with!
Through attending Mark Hoyle's archaeological illustration workshop at the Council for British Archaeology’s Unearthing Futures event, I was taught the basics of archaeological illustration and I now have a solid foundation of the knowledge needed. I am excited to continue developing this skill.
After attending Mark Hoyle’s archaeological illustration workshop, I gained foundational skills in identifying material types and objects. I was able to practise this skill and ask questions to deepen my knowledge. I am excited to use this skill and develop it further in this role.
After attending Mark Hoyles archaeological illustration workshop, I enhanced my knowledge and technical drawing skills. I was able to practise this and ask questions. I am excited to continue to apply my illustrative practice to begin to produce high quality illustrations.
Many archaeological illustrators are self-employed and do contractual work with museums, archaeological units and heritage organisations. As such, sometimes not all jobs will be advertised in the usual places such as Online job adverts | CIfA or Find a job - BAJR - British Archaeology Jobs and Resources , and rather illustrators may be recommended by word of mouth by other organisations.
There are courses that occasionally come up:
Or local groups might host classes, such as this one in Durham: Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club - Durham University
See below some example archaeological illustrator’s own websites:
- Graphics | CIfA
- Illustration and Graphics | Oxford Archaeology
- A Journey Through the History of Archaeological Illustration | archaeoINK
- Microsoft Word - ARCL0036- Handbook 2024-25.docx
- flint-paper-digital.pdf
- Drawing Archaeological finds, A Handbook. By N. Griffiths & A. Jenner with C. Wilson. 1990, Archetype publications ltd.
- Approaches to Archaeological Illustration, A Handbook, By Melanie Steiner. 2005, Council for British Archaeology.
- The Illustration of Lithic Artefacts: A Guide to Drawing Stone Tools for Specialist Reports, By Hazel Martingell and Alan Saville. 1988, Joint publication by The Lithics Society and the Association of Archaeological Illustrators & Surveyors.