The British Library presents its latest major exhibition entitled Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination. The display features some of the world's finest examples of medieval and renaissance illuminated manuscripts, collected by the royal families of England between the 9th and 16th centuries. Royal Manuscripts... explains how and why Edward IV (1442-1483), after developing the original collection, turned it into a library, thereby laying the foundations for the present British Library.
Treasured Possessions of England's Monarchs
These manuscripts, that were the most treasured possessions of England's medieval monarchs, are now the most treasured possessions of the British Library. The Library's collection numbers some 2,000 manuscripts acquired by the likes of Athelstan (c. 893/894-939) in the mid-10th century to Henry VIII (1491-1547) in the 16th century. The fact that they have survived so well – their gold illuminations still glow as brightly as if they were created yesterday – is mainly due to the fact that George II (1683-l760) gave many of them to the nation in 1757. This group was further enhanced by manuscripts collected by his grandson, George III (1738-1820).
These rare artistic treasures show not just the skills of those who created them, but also provide a valuable insight into the private lives of their owners, their moral and religious beliefs, royal identity, and the history and politics of the time. The installation also features loan objects from other institutions including a medieval lion’s skull found at the Tower of London, a 15th century tapestry from The Netherlands and a stone shield bearing the arms of England.
Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination is curated by Dr Scot McKendrick, Head of History and Classical Studies, British Library; Professor John Lowden, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London: and Dr Kathleen Doyle, Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library. The British Library acknowledges the support of the Arts and Humanities Research Council; the Pigott Family; The Helen Hamlyn Trust, and several additional unnamed sources.
Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination – Layout of the Exhibition
The first part of the display showcases seventeen manuscripts, written in French, collected by King Edward IV who is widely accepted as the 'founder' of the Old Royal Library. Evidence revealed by these historical and literary artefacts shows how Edward strove to create a court that would match any in Europe. The books were either commissioned by Edward, or have strong links to him.
The remainder of the exhibition is divided into sections:
- The Christian Monarch shows the place of religion in royal life, looking at both private and public worship.
- Identity explores the right to rule by examining the lineage of the royal family. The display also looks at traditions such as the coronation process which are still in place today.
- Instruction/knowledge reveals how manuscripts were use in the education of the royal family.
- England and the Continent – not all the royal manuscripts originated in England. Many came from France or the Burgundian Netherlands. The documents reflect how English royal families were keen to emulate the artistic styles of their political rivals across the Channel.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The installation includes Henry VIII's personal Psalter, (London c. 1540). Henry commissioned the artist Jean Mallard, an emigré from the court of King Francis I of France, to produce this manuscript. The Psalter contains numerous decorated initials and eight large illuminated paintings referring directly to the text. Many of the illustrations show Henry as the biblical King David, with whom he wished to be associated. Using the British Library's 'turning the pages' technology, visitors can explore the complete manuscript to discover more about some of the most commonly recurring religious themes and symbols.
Another fine example is The Shrewsbury Book, also known as the Book of Romances, created in Rouen in 1445. The manuscript was commissioned by John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, (from whom it takes its name), as a wedding gift for Margaret of Anjou on her marriage to Henry VI. The manuscript contains images outlining the genealogical claim of Henry VI to be the rightful king of France. Charles VII, the French claimant to the throne has been omitted, and replaced by his sister, Catherine of France, mother to Henry VI, opposite her husband, Henry V.
Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination – Publications, Phone and Ipad Applications
To accompany the display the British Library has produced a 448-page fully-illustrated catalogue featuring 150 examples from the British Library collections. The book is available in paperback (£25, ISBN 978-0-7123-5815-6) and hardback (£40, ISBN 978-0-7123-5816-3) editions.
The British Library has also produced a 96-page book of highlights entitled Royal Illuminated Manuscripts From King Athelstan to Henry VIII. The publication features forty-one carefully selected manuscripts. The paperback publication is priced at £10 (ISBN 978-0-7123- 5855-2).
In addition, the Library has published iPhone, Ipad and Android applications featuring almost 500 images from sixty manuscripts. Further details and downloads available from the British Library.
Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination will be open until 13th March 2012. The exhibition is accompanied by a full programme of public events including lectures by leading historians, gallery talks by curators, workshops, study days and conferences. Tickets and further information are available from the British Library.
Sources:
- British Library
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
