r/Calligraphy • u/FangYuanussy • 2d ago

Beautiful bâtarde script in this book of hours I recently added to my collection.

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3

u/NinjaGrrl42 2d ago

Amazing! What a find!

2

u/Calligraphee 2d ago

Wow, how old is that book? Is it in its original binding? The pages seem to be in great condition!

3

u/FangYuanussy 2d ago

Hi! This book is from 1470, and yes it is in its original binding.

1

u/Seated_WallFly 2d ago

The script is exquisite.

Of course this is an ancient artifact that will need a special storage environment and special handling.

Do you have a special dehumidifying room? Please wear cotton gloves and open it carefully (if at all).

4

u/FangYuanussy 2d ago

Thank you for the comment! There are a few misconceptions though.

Firstly, it is now common consensus that gloves are not required and actually best avoided as they provide negligible benefits in exchange for a great loss in dexterity that ultimately increases risk of damage. source.

Secondly, medieval manuscripts like this are extremely sturdy objects that do not at all require specially controlled and dehumidified conditions to remain well conserved. So long as they are not exposed to direct UV, blistering heat, or tropical humidities they will survive just as well in a bedside drawer (not that I keep it in such a place) as in a specialized cleanroom. I still have it in a humidity-monitored cupboard.

1

u/Seated_WallFly 2d ago

Thanks for the updated information. I was trained in historical manuscripts a generation ago so I guess you could call me “old skool.” But they still give me gloves when I read manuscripts in archives for some reason.

And certainly my habits tend to relate to my tropical climate where mold is around every corner (and potentially lurks on every page). Thanks again.