Momentous historical events, dubious legends, and the real-life characters who shaped our world today are among the rich variety of stories told in ‘Books and Benefactors’, a new display running at the University of Leeds’ Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery until 6 April 2024.
The precious objects on show span a millennium and range from a Byzantine gospel book, through breathtaking illuminated manuscripts and a rare text printed by Caxton, to a meticulously scribed early-20th century volume of decadent poetry. They carry the imprints and additions of the people who owned and used them down the centuries, and they also tell us something about the wealthy industrialist who brought them together.
Seven items, once part of the collection of Sir Thomas Edward Watson (1851-1921) have been allocated to the University of Leeds Libraries through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, which transfers important cultural, scientific or historic objects to the nation in payment for inheritance tax.
Watson had much in common with his contemporary Edward Allen Brotherton, whose bequest established the Library and Collection bearing his name at the University of Leeds, raising the intriguing possibility that they might have competed with one another for a highly prized volume or two. The new acquisitions are displayed alongside related items from the Brotherton Collection.