Genius of Illumination Exhibition

[french frank]

Thanks for the report. I am going to the exhibition next week and will try to ration my time per manuscript

I think the most spectacular works come early on. The White Ship one was about half way round. One fascinating point: I'm not sure what font was used for the cards giving the details (Bookman Old Style? - I don't remember clearly) but some of the earliest manuscripts, of the 8th and 9th centuries, were written in beautiful, clear hands which reminded me of the much later humanistic styles (16th c.) - and of the typing on the cards.

Another thing: most of the manuscripts on display (and certainly the finest) were collected, as well as commissioned, by various kings and later given to the nation. If I remember, George II and George IV were particular donors. But for them the manuscripts could have ended up anywhere: America, Japan, lighting fires ...

[Maclintick]

I think the most spectacular works come early on. The White Ship one was about half way round. One fascinating point: I'm not sure what font was used for the cards giving the details (Bookman Old Style? - I don't remember clearly) but some of the earliest manuscripts, of the 8th and 9th centuries, were written in beautiful, clear hands which reminded me of the much later humanistic styles (16th c.) - and of the typing on the cards.

Another thing: most of the manuscripts on display (and certainly the finest) were collected, as well as commissioned, by various kings and later given to the nation. If I remember, George II and George IV were particular donors. But for them the manuscripts could have ended up anywhere: America, Japan, lighting fires ...

You're quite correct , French Frank. We're very fortunate that George IV donated the bulk of his collection to the nation,
and that consequently they've remained in this country. I went to this extraordinary exhibition in early January and spent
2 hours standing in complete wonderment before treasures such as the 10th cent Athelstan psalter and the bible consulted by Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey during their theological discussions .My thanks to posters who've reminded me to go again before it closes !

[french frank]

Coincidentally, I'd already been struck by the manuscript of a very famous work (well known to me, anyway), the Miroir Historial of Vincent de Beauvais, and a little phrase (where's vinteuil? ) at the beginning of the first chapter in which Vincent explains why he undertook the work, 'La multitude des liures, la briefute du temps ...' ['So many books, so little time'] : it seemed very apt.

Just found in Wikipedia the page from Vincent that I was talking about:

[aeolium]

A very beautiful illustration, ff. I particularly like the border patterns and the large initial letter of the inscription. What is the figure on the top of the 'honi soit qui mal y pense' coat of arms bottom centre?

Going off at a tangent, I was wondering about the Islamic illuminated manuscript tradition and found this from wiki on the Persian miniature. The detail seems finer and the colouring more vibrant than is generally the case in the western illuminated manuscripts, though some of the latter are also very striking. It would be interesting to see a follow-up exhibition of Islamic illuminated manuscript art, though of course that would require loans from other countries.

[french frank]

What is the figure on the top of the 'honi soit qui mal y pense' coat of arms bottom centre?

It looks like a monkey to me, though the usual royal crest seems to have been a lion. Apparently, the monkey is used as a crest but I can't find a reference to its association with Henry IV. Perhaps the catalogue explains? I'm going to buy one online (which they said at the BL was post free!).

Yes, Persian miniatures are often very delicately painted. I used to have one in a similar style to the first one in the Wiki article (mine from a life of Alexander). Western manuscript illustrations can sometimes seem quite crude, but both are very stylised. Some of the most delicate in this exhibition are the birds painted in the margins, jays, goldfinches &c., rather than the main pictures.

[aeolium]

I very much enjoyed the exhibition, which I visited on Thursday. I did manage to get round the whole exhibition, but it was very tiring (some of the manuscripts , especially annotated bibles, were written in incredibly small script). The Edward IV collection - particularly the Bruges books - contained some of the most spectacular examples, although Henry VIII's collection was also impressive. The borders, initial letters, animals and birds were the best features (and of course the calligraphy of the script). Animals seemed to have much more life than people, but perhaps with much more forest they would have been much more a feature of people's lives then.

There are also a number of illuminated manuscripts in the free 'Treasures of the British Library' exhibition, and these also include oriental examples.

Thanks to Globaltruth for the recommendation of Albertini's as a nearby cafe - very good and cheap it was too.

[french frank]

Glad you enjoyed it, aeolium. I'm tempted to go up again and try to get right round (or at least look at the second half in detail.

The Edward IV collection - particularly the Bruges books - contained some of the most spectacular examples

And as regards the monkey crest mentioned in Msg #20, my google search history confirms that I did search for Edward IV, and not Henry IV as I incorrectly wrote

[salymap]

As I knew I couldn't get to it I put the original post on my favourites. I often turn to that wonderful illustration with the warriors facing the animals and demons. I didn't think my humble computer could show such a colourful and beautiful page.

[Howdenite]

To item 12: Thank you for posting the clips from the BBC program. I'm sorry I missed it, but these are treasures. I visited the exhibition in December and completely lost track of time. There was so much to see and it was all fascinating. Before I knew it, I was completely exhausted and 3 1/2 hours had passed. Perhaps I can get back again. Regardless, it was a wonderful treat to be able to see this exhibition. I recommend it to anyone!

[Flosshilde]

I saw the last of the TV programmes & was struck by Henry VIII's psalter (not literally - not even 3D telly could manage that ) & the marginal notes by Henry, bringing one so close to his thoughts on kingship. I think there was also some music, written in a circular notation.

re the White Ship. Readers of the 'Brother Cadfael' series of medieval who-dunnits will have a feel for the consequences of this event, as it's set during 'the Anarchy'.

[salymap]

This is what I was talking about. If interested click on the link in message 1. Wonderful use of colour.