Prices range from €/$ 500 for a simple Icon, to several thousands for complex and large works. For the budget conscious we can adjust a design to be more simple to cut down costs, while for those wishing for work of the highest excellence we can provide detailed and complex works using precious materials and complex processes.

20% of the price goes to the Icon Centre to cover for the montly expenses and 80% to the iconographers, who also have to pay for the materials used as well as supply their time and talents. (Packing and delivery, where necessary, are additional).

Our prices are set based around the costs of living, on the principle that a worker deserves his wages and should be able to support his family from what he earns.

The process

1. An icon order is definitively placed with us in writing and we give an estimate as to when it will be completed.
2. A correspondence with the commissioner to detemine the subject, colors, symbols etc… to be used.
3. Iconographer is assigned to the project.
4. A minimum deposit of 50% is required from the commissioner, in order to cover our administrative and materials costs, and make a first payment to book the time of the icon master for the icon commissioning.
5. In due course the iconographer researches the subject of the icon, eg. Christ in Glory, and its context, e.g. the church in which it is to be housed, in the light of the prior discussions with the commissioner.
6. A preliminary sketch is made, discussed with the icon painting team, and with the client. If the client wants to make some small changes that is included in the price, but if the client has complex ideas, wants a radical change or remains unsure as to what he/she wants, then an extra fee will be negotiated before things proceed further.
7. Once all are agreed with the design a final drawing is produced and then the board is made. This may be of high quality plywood or, if preferred and suitable, of an appropriate wood. The board is prepared with a fine gesso, of between 12 and 15 layers, and polished.
8. The design is transferred and if water gilding ( a highly skilled and demanding process of applying gold leaf) is to be used this will be done at this stage. This will include embossing of designs on the haloes and other decorative touches.
9. Only then does the painting process commence. In our workshop we use egg tempera exclusively. This is one of the most demanding paint mediums and thousands of years old, but it produces a unique, delicate, defused interior light which is characteristic of the most noted icons.
10. Egg tempera needs between 6-12 months before any varnish can be safely applied. We can apply a varnish if the client wishes before dispatch, but then delivery would be delayed or it can be done immediately but at the clients own risk. Alternatively the icon can be returned to us, or if in a country which is accessible to one of us, varnished on site. Alternatively we can advise on a suitable varnish and its application.

PLEASE NOTE: Icons are dispatched by reputable international courier, and if the client wishes can be insured for transit. Alternatively clients may collect their icons in person. All taxes due are the responsibility of the client.

If the commissioner so wishes he may send his picture so while the iconographer is writing the icon may be spiritually bonded to him and then finally when the icon has been completed it will be taken with the picture of the commissioner to the nativity church where it will be blessed with a priest

If you would like to begin and enquiry about commissioning an icon from us please click here.

For examples of our work please see our Gallerysection.