Rare opportunity to see the illuminated 14th Century Luttrell Psalter in Lincoln
In partnership with the British Library, Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition is displaying the Luttrell Psalter, a superb example of a fourteenth century English illuminated manuscript.
The Luttrell Psalter is currently on loan to The Collection museum in Lincoln from the British Library as one of the highlights of the exhibition. This celebrated manuscript, commissioned by wealthy Lincolnshire landowner, Geoffrey Luttrell, in the first half of the 14th century, is one of the most striking to survive from the Middle Ages. Painted in rich colours and embellished with gold and silver, this manuscript is unlike virtually any other. This loan offers a rare chance to see perhaps the greatest work of art ever associated with Lincolnshire.
To put the item into greater context, Dr Kathleen Doyle, Lead Curator, Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library will be visiting The Collection to talk about the Psalter in the context of other English illuminated Psalters of the period and will focus on the illustration, with lots of images from the manuscript. This one off evening lecture takes place at The Collection on Wednesday 26th August.
The British Library’s award winning ‘turning the pages’ software which allows the pages of the Luttrell Psalter to be virtually turned and viewed on a touch screen computer is now on display at The Collection, visitors can leaf through the book and magnify the details to really get close to this famous medieval manuscript.
The Luttrell Psalter is unusual as although it was not the first Psalter to include scenes of contemporary rustic life, it is exceptional in their number and fascinating detail. Its lively and often humorous images provide a virtual ‘documentary’ of work and play during a year on an estate such as Sir Geoffrey’s, including images of wrestlers, hawkers, bear baiters, dancers, and farming scenes.
Lecture details – The lecture will start at 7pm in The Collection’s auditorium on Wednesday 26th August. There will also be an opportunity to view the exhibition in the museum until 9pm. Tickets are £12 and include either a glass of wine or soft drink. Places are limited and must be booked in advance either in person at The Collection reception desk or by calling 01522 782040.
Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition displayed at The Collection, Usher Gallery, Wren Library at Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle runs until 27th September 2015
Image credit: British Library
← Back