Art Funded by you

The Wardington Hours

Bedford Workshop, Paris, c. 1410–1440

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

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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