Pigments of British Medieval Illuminators

March 14^th 17.00-18.30 Richard Gameson and Andrew Beeby launch Pigments of British Medieval Illuminators (Richard Gameson & Andrew Beeby) (GtR (ukri.org))

Join Richard Gameson and Andrew Beeby as they launch "Pigments of British Medieval Illuminators," a groundbreaking exploration into the coloration of British illuminated manuscripts from the medieval period. These manuscripts, invaluable for their artistic, literary, and historical contributions, provide a unique source of knowledge through their pigmentation.

Central to learning, culture, belief, and art from the seventh to the fifteenth century, manuscripts reflect evolving roles, materials, and technologies. The project seeks to unveil the unwritten chapters of British cultural, bibliographical, scientific, and artistic history by identifying and understanding the pigments used by scribes and illuminators. This non-invasive investigation, made possible by modern mobile instrumentation, will analyze ca. 200 manuscripts, ranging from the seventh to the fifteenth centuries. The outcomes promise insights into cultural, social, and economic interactions, the use of local materials, trade movements, technological innovations, and the interplay of cost, technology, and artistic practice. This scientific account will be the foundational reference for future research, benefiting museums, archives, conservators, and broader audiences. Don't miss this pivotal contribution to our understanding of British medieval manuscripts.