Yates Thompson Apocalypse

This captivating manuscript, named after its last owner, Henry Yates Thompson, is shrouded in mystery regarding its patronage. Its miniatures, likely painted by the same artisan responsible for Emperor Charles V’s Coronation Book, dazzle with vibrant colors against a radiant background embellished with lavish gold leaf. Beautiful floral borders and gold-leafed initials enrich its presentation, adding to its Gothic luxury.

Though the manuscript’s early origins remain enigmatic, its documented journey traverses notable hands across history. Once in the possession of Jean Philipp Eugène, Count of Mérode, it eventually found its way to Augustus Frederick, the Duke of Sussex, and later passed through the hands of renowned collectors such as John Fuller Russell and Bernard Quaritch. Henry Yates Thompson’s acquisition of the manuscript in 1893 and its subsequent bequest to the British Museum in 1941 marked pivotal moments in its historical voyage.

The breathtaking illuminations in the Apocalypse Yates Thompson exemplify the pinnacle of French Gothic artistry. The vibrant miniatures, depicting apocalyptic events and celestial beings, reflect the skilled craftsmanship of the anonymous illuminator, resonating with John the Evangelist’s captivating vision.

The manuscript, now bound in a black leather binding embellished with a stamped floral design, is a testament to enduring craftsmanship and historical legacy. Its presence, marked by the golden-stamped shelfmark “Brit. Mus. Yates Thompson 10”, continues to enrich the annals of medieval manuscript lore.

The facsimile edition of the Apocalypse Yates Thompson is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.