Royal Manuscripts

Details

Suitable for: Year 3-6
Available: Monday to Friday from 11 November 2011 until 13 March 2012
Time: 10:30-12pm and 1-2.30pm
Length: 90 minutes
Group size: minimum 10, maximum 30 per session

Subjects and Key Skills

History, Art and RS

Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination

In this exhibition you will discover the British Library’s unique collection of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts. Dating between the 9th and 16th centuries and collected by the kings and queens of England this treasure trove features stunning manuscripts that are among the most outstanding examples of royal decorative and figurative painting from this era surviving in Britain today.
Together they provide the most vivid surviving source for understanding royal identity, moral and religious beliefs, learning, faith artistic trends and international politics of the period.
The works on display include colourful histories and genealogies, Bibles and Psalters, scientific works and accounts of coronations. Each manuscript is a work of art in its own right. As a collection they give an outstanding indication of medieval and early modern royal taste and preferences.

Workshop outline

Free workshops exploring Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination are available for Primary students. Workshops support and enrich the History, Art and RS curricula helping participants to develop skills in source-based learning, visual literacy and research. Sessions take place in the exhibition space and include a series of activities led by a workshop leader.
Primary groups will explore medieval life through the illuminated manuscripts and images on display. Using creative activities, students will gain an understanding of royal identity, religious beliefs and education during this fascinating period. Looking closely at the items on display, groups will deconstruct the symbols of the paintings and develop an understanding of who the manuscripts were made by, who they were made for, and how they were made.