Hidden in Plain Sight: Scratching the Surface

Hidden in Plain Sight: Scratching the Surface - Hands-On Exploration of Innovative Technologies in the Study of Medieval Books and Objects

Directed by Amélie Deblauwe, Maciej Pawlikowski, and Eyal Poleg

When: Tuesday 8 July, 16.30-18.00
Where: Parkinson Building: Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
This event is free of charge.

The surface of medieval manuscripts is never flat. Much like a topographical map, it is full of crevices and ridges, nearly invisible marks made by not only by scribes and parchmenters, but also by readers as they touched, kissed, or knifed image and text. This session will take place in the Sheppard Room of the Treasures Gallery, using books from Leeds University Special Collections for hands-on demonstration of complex imaging and the use of different light sources in exploring the surface of manuscripts.

Come and learn how new technologies can transform the way we study medieval books and objects. In this session, our team of scientists, imaging specialists, and historians will explore medieval manuscripts from Leeds University Library, using a range of microscopes, light sources, cameras, and scanners. You’ll also learn more about the work and discoveries of the major AHRC-funded Hidden in Plain Sight research project, which furthers the use of advanced scientific technologies within historical studies. We have been employing new technologies to assist in studying the alteration and transformation of books and textual objects, evident, for example, in mutilation, folding, or overpainting. The project team will join the IMC to present the project’s scope and initial findings and to introduce key scientific methods, their potential, and limitations. You are also welcome to our reception on Tuesday, where the team will be happy to answer questions or ideas related to your own research over drinks and nibbles.

Workshop leaders include Amélie Deblauwe, Imaging Specialist (Cambridge University Library), Maciej Pawlikowski, Imaging Specialist (Cambridge University Library), and Eyal Poleg, Historian (Queen Mary University of London).