Ink and Illumination : Colour in Medieval Manuscripts and Beyond

The St John's College Library is proud to present its first ‘guest exhibition’. It has been curated by Victoria Kinne (St Catherine’s College), an undergraduate student of the History of Art, who joined the Library team at St John’s College for her student placement in Michaelmas Term 2023.

Ink and Illumination explores the significance of colour (and the lack thereof) in St John's extensive collection of medieval manuscripts and early printed books. It features a diverse range of texts, from fourteenth century astronomical tracts and genealogies to sixteenth century atlases and medical textbooks. The exhibition reflects on the political symbolism of colour, its use as a teaching aid, and as a mark of status.

Learn more about the exhibition from its curator, Victoria, in this video:

The exhibition guide can be viewed online at the St John's College Library website.

Members of St John’s College may visit the exhibition in the Library & Study Centre during opening hours (daily 9am – 11pm) at their convenience.

Visitors who would like to view the exhibition are asked to email library@sjc.ox.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.