I find the medieval period fascinating, full of paradoxes, and with some of the most glorious art ever created. Consequently it is a rich source of inspiration. One aspect that I find particulalrly interesting is the way the faded colours and mellowed stones of the architecture and artefacts appear to us now - understated and 'sophisticated' - but at the time of their creation the great cathedrals and abbeys would have been full of brightly coloured artefacts and even the fabric of the buildings was, in some cases, painted. I sometimes wonder if we might consider some of it rather crude or vulgar now! But it gives wonderful license to indulge in rich colour as well as decayed and muted tones and images. It is a wonderful indulgence to be able to explore both.