The Genius of Illumination at the British Library

Alice Crossland

Tucked away in a corner of the vast British Library is a collection of Royal Manuscripts, revealing over 800 years worth of literary scholarship. They have been preserved by the monarchy since the time of King Athelstan in the mid tenth century, and now 154 out of over 2000 illuminated manuscripts from the British Library collection are on display. From these works we can discover something of the relationship between the monarchy and art from the Middle Ages to the Tudors. Knowing that the monarchs of the past have handled, read and loved these treasured possessions makes them precious relics of how royalty lived, studied and prayed in these times.

In a time before pretty much every textbook, novel, and journal was available with just three clicks on Amazon, books were objects to be treasured and revered. Monks and artisans devoted their whole lives to the production of these individual works of craftsmanship. A small page of illustrations could take several weeks, or even months to complete, and potentially only a handful of people would ever see the finished work. Written in perfectly elaborate calligraphy, often in French or Latin, the vellum used was so expensive that there was no room for mistakes. It did however, provide the perfect canvas for the paint and gold leaf used, which is why so many of these manuscripts are in such good condition.

Many of the books are religious works in the forms of prayer books and Books of Hours, as well as copies of the gospels and colossal Bibles. One example (pictured), shows God the Creator standing on the Earth, gesturing up to the minutely detailed angels frolicking in the bright blue sky behind him. Others are vast history books, displaying the conquests of the likes of Alexander the Great; intended to inspire and instruct the reader. Finally, the exhibition includes manuscripts intended for the instruction of princely behavior and etiquette, often past from King to son. Take for example the book given to the nine year old Henry VI on Christmas Eve 1429; containing an amazing 38 full-page illustrations as well as 1,200 pictures in the margins.

God the Creator in a French History Bible, Bible historiale, Clairefontaine and Paris, 1411. Image: British Library Board

 The exhibition shows you the sheer skill it took to form even one of the main letterings, as well as the nature and significance of the precious materials used. You are then left to roam the colossal collection of works, most of which were left to the nation by George II in 1757. The British Library has let the books do the talking, with few long-winded descriptions and an informative but not overwhelmingly boring audio guide.

The sheer volume of texts that the British Library has at their disposal is mind-blowing. The exhibition reminds you of the sacred past of writing, and the great prestige given to these books as precious objects of material culture. Out of the 14 million books that the British Library has at their disposal, these are surely some of the most special. Due to its size, I would advise a full stomach and several hours at your disposal before you embark on this exhibition.  At £5 for a student it’s a real bargain, and as it’s a mere stones throw away from UCL, there really is very little reason for you not to go. However, if for some reason, you don’t like peering down at old and rather dusty books, I would suggest that you sit this one out. 

Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination runs until the 13^th March 2012, at the British Library. Adult £9, student £5. Free audio guide.