About Egg Tempera

Egg tempera is a painting medium that uses egg yolk to bind pigments. The artist must manufacture the paints themselves by mixing finely ground pigment, water and dilute egg yolk. Typically, the artist also prepares their own painting surface, comprised of a rigid support covered with a suitable ground (usually a water-based gesso made of protein glue and powdered mineral whitening) which when dry is sanded to a fine finish. The paint is then applied to this surface in a method where the optical and physical attributes of egg tempera are respected, achieving a finished appearance unique among painting mediums.

About The Society

The Society of Painters in Tempera was founded in 1901 by Lady Herringham and by a group of painters whom a study of the Book of Cennino Cennini had inspired to a quest for better craftsmanship. The declared Object of the Society was “Improvement in the art of Tempera painting by the interchange of the knowledge and experience of the members” (John D. Batten 1925).

In 1997 The Society of Tempera Painters was established following the decline of the original Society. Most recently, it has primarily existed via online forums on this site, and via the exhibition and teaching activity of members.