The manuscript contains eight large miniatures which are equal in quality to the very best illumination produced in Paris at this date. The Wardington Hours is part of a Book of Hours but only contains the relatively rare Hours of the Passion. The manuscript is exquisitely painted, incorporating intricate detail and a wealth of rich, colourful imagery. Illuminated borders with sparkling gold ivy leaves feature on every page, and include painted dragons with different animal heads in one part of the volume. The most lavish contributions to the volume are eight beautifully painted illustrations of the Passion of Christ. The miniature of the Crucifixion is unusual in containing the Seven Last Words of Christ, also found in the Crucifixion miniature in the Bedford Hours, which is already in the British Library collection. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Wardington Hours, c. 1410–1440
Date supported
2007
Medium and material
Illuminated manuscript
Dimensions
23.8 x 16.8 cm
Grant
250000
Total cost
635200

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