Media Release
Medieval Manuscripts a Hit as Exhibition Visits Top 50,000
7 May 2008
Visits to the State Library of Victoria’s landmark exhibition The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated Manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand topped 50,000 today, proving the popularity of this unique cultural offering.
Since opening on March 28, the exhibition has attracted more than 1000 visitors per day. Over 10,000 people attended the Library’s Medieval Faire Day in mid-April, while other exhibition events including concerts, lectures, forums, tours and themed activities have also drawn capacity audiences. Each event was designed to provide a deeper understanding of illuminated manuscripts and the times they were produced in.
CEO and State Librarian, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich said she was delighted by the success of the exhibition.
‘The visitation figures clearly show that Victorians are aware of what a wonderful and rare treat this exhibition is. The experience of being so close to ancient books of such beauty is a powerful one. Each illuminated manuscript is a masterpiece of art and imagination.
Of course none of it would be possible without the collaboration of our exhibition lenders in Cambridge and the libraries, museums, galleries and universities in Australia and New Zealand. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the State Library of Victoria Foundation and all our sponsors and supporters who have helped, not only to stage the exhibition and its events, but also to spread word of its splendour to many people around Victoria.’
The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated Manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand is the Library’s first international exhibition and the first collaborative exhibition of manuscripts on this scale in Australia. It brings to Melbourne some 90 hand-made books from the Middle Ages through to the Renaissance, including the oldest European book to ever visit Australia.
From May 29 the Library will host a three-day international conference to examine the role of the manuscript book in nurturing both the imagination and a sense of community in medieval Europe. Speakers from around the world will discuss the art, impact and associations of the manuscript book in the Middle Ages.
The conference program includes a free public lecture by Professor Jeffrey Hamburger of Harvard University. Due to the overwhelming interest in Professor Hamburger's lecture, 'Openings', the venue has shifted from the State Library of Victoria to RMIT's Story Hall, which accommodates a larger audience.
Media coverage
The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated Manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand has experienced strong media coverage at both a national and local level. To explore a selection of these media reports follow the links below:
The Medieval Imagination
Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand
28 March–15 June 2008
State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Open 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)
Free entry
The State Library Victoria gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the lenders to the exhibition:
Cambridge
Syndics of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Syndics of the University Library, Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Master and Fellows of Corpus Christi College
New Zealand
Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Auckland City Libraries, Dunedin Public Libraries, John Kinder Theological Library, St John’s College, Auckland
Australia
New South Wales
State Library of New South Wales, University of Sydney Library, The Franciscan Friars - Province of the Holy Spirit
Australian Capital Territory
National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, The Classics Department at the Australian National University
South Australia
State Library of South Australia
Victoria
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria, University of Melbourne, Baillieu Library
The Medieval Imagination is presented by
The State Library of Victoria Foundation and the State Government of Victoria
Major sponsors
Qantas, Palace Cinemas, Yarra Trams
Sponsors and supporters
City of Melbourne, J.C. Decaux, AAMI, K.W. Doggett Fine Paper, Click, Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, Herald Sun, 3AW, The Sebel Melbourne, Citigate Melbourne, Reader’s Feast Bookstore, Swisse Vitamins, Metlink, Macmillian Publishers, V/Line, Avant Card, J.T. Reid Charitable Trust, Limelight Magazine
Media inquiries and image requests
Matthew van Hasselt
Media relations coordinator
State Library of Victoria
Ph: 03 8664 7263
Email: mvanhasselt@slv.vic.gov.au
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