Illuminated manuscripts in the Middle Ages can be viewed as objects of innovative graphic design featuring decorative fonts and images to engage readers. The term ‘design’ was not used in the same way during the Middle Ages. However, it speaks to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the manuscripts in the Middle Ages. They were more than just books for writing in. The illuminators created elaborate fonts and artworks consisting of diverse shapes and sizes and examining these can inspire contemporary design. In this programme, post primary students will use medieval manuscripts, including fonts and imagery, as inspiration for their own graphic design projects.

Medieval illuminated manuscripts are hand-written books with pages made from animal skins, adorned with hand painted designs and precious metals. They are some of the most beautiful artifacts that remain from the period. The process of their creation tells us about scribal and artistic practices of the Medieval period.

In this programme, post primary students will explore this process through a variety of resources created as part of the Art of Reading in the Middle Ages project for Europeana, including video-based resources, blogs, galleries and workbooks.

The history of the practice of reading can tell us a lot about the nature and history of the society as a whole. During the Middle Ages, reading was mostly practiced aloud. Much of society was illiterate and texts could only be accessed through public readings. Today the opposite is true — the practice reading silently, and written information is widely available online and through printed text.

During this programme, post primary school students will be introduced to the history and function of reading, and explore reading as a means of understanding Medieval society. The programme draws on a variety of resources created as part of the Art of Reading in the Middle Ages project for Europeana, including an interactive game, video-based resources, blogs, galleries and workbooks.