Royal Manuscripts at British Library

An exhibition of royal manuscripts at British Library goes on show this winter to showcase the Library's very own royal collection. Bringing together a selection of works created between the 9th and 16th centuries, visitors are invited to take a closer look at these beautifully kept and artistically created pieces of art and literature.

Royal manuscripts at British Library
Demonstrating the artistry of the makers from the Middle Ages, much of the illumination on show in this exhibition allows us to understand not only the people who created them, but who their work was created for. Religious pieces, guides to appropriate royal behaviour, and histories provide insight into the political and cultural attitudes of the day.

The Royal library
One of the major contributors to the exhibition of royal manuscripts at British Library is the collection of Edward IV. Having consciously created a court to rival his European counterparts, the creation of various large scale historical and literary manuscripts resulted in the basis of the Old Royal library. Seventeen pieces from his original collection are included in the show, and include some of the best known works of the royal manuscripts altogether.

Exhibition highlights
No doubt one of the highlights of this British Library exhibition is the illuminated Shrewsbury Book, which was created in France in 1445. Designed as a wedding present for Margaret of Anjou and Henry VI, it was commissioned by the renowned military leader, John Talbot, and shows the claim of Henry VI as the rightful heir to the throne of France. Visitors are also able to see the Genealogical Chronicle of the English Kings from circa 1300, which is in essence a royal family tree, which starts with the Anglo Saxon kings.

Events
To accompany the exhibition of illuminated royal manuscripts at British Library a series of events are taking place throughout the season. Gallery talks and lectures make up the programme which discusses the art of illumination itself, the social and political contexts of the time, as well as the various characters represented within the documents. For more information or to book tickets for any of the events, click on the link below.

British Library Official Site

The exhibition of royal manuscripts at British Library takes place from Friday 11th November 2011 - Tuesday 13th March 2012.

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