Making of a medieval manuscript: from cover to cover

Overview

Discover how one of the National Library of Australia's treasures – a magnificent 15th century Book of Hours from the Southern Netherlands – was created by hand.

Through this remarkable manuscript, Gemma Black reveals the craft of the medieval scriptorium, exploring the tools, materials and techniques that transformed parchment and vellum into works of enduring beauty.

Learn how pigments were mixed using everyday ingredients such as egg, how pages were ruled and written with extraordinary precision, how gatherings were sewn into robust bindings, and why these precious books have survived for almost six centuries. This is a fascinating glimpse into the artistry, ingenuity and craftsmanship behind one of the Middle Ages' greatest achievements.

This public lecture is sponsored by the Friends of the National Library of Australia.