Montefiascone 25th Anniversary: an early Islamic binding

This year's Montefiascone Summer School will mark the 25th anniversary of this remarkable project, so it is the ideal time to sign up for a class if you've been thinking about it! 

The Cambridge Terrier class, 2008.

The Montefiascone Conservation Project was originally conceived by Cheryl Porter in order to save the virtually derelict library of the Seminario Barbarigo. This late medieval library contains not only the collection of Cardinal Barbarigo, but also other important books including some unique editions. This library is important to the history of the town, and is especially relevant to those interested in the history of the book.

2015 is also the 500th anniversary of the death of Aldus Manutius, an Italian humanist scholar and printer who founded the Aldine Press in Venice and to mark this event two courses this year will focus on this period. There will also be an exhibition and evening seminar on Wednesday 12th August. 

I will be teaching a class on an early Islamic binding between 17th – 21st August. 

This course will focus on a small 9th century Abbasid Qurʼan from Cambridge University Library in an early historic binding, with additional lectures from Alison Ohta of the Royal Asiatic Society, London and help from my lovely colleague at the Chester Beatty Library, Julia Poirier. 

There are relatively few early Islamic bindings extant, and fewer still that remain intact and attached to their textblock. This manuscript provides the evidence and opportunity to explore the structure and materials of a codex which is probably from the third century A.H. / ninth century C.E.

A 9th Century Abbasid manuscript from Cambridge University Library

Participants will make a model of the structure, paying particular attention to the significant properties of the spine lining, board attachment and endbands, before undertaking the raised cord work decoration. This technique is found in contemporary binding examples across both North Africa and northern Europe. The influence of Coptic binding traditions and the transmission of binding techniques during this period will be discussed.

Classes in Monte are always inspiring, because of the diverse experience of the international participants that sign up. Discussion is lively, and the atmosphere is warm.

The cost of the classes are £445 ( sterling) per week. Participants may sign up for 1,2 3 or all four weeks. All classes are in English and prices include tuition and many of the materials. To enrol, or for further information, please contact Cheryl Porter on chezzaporter@yahoo.com. More information can be found on the Montefiascone Facebook page.

For further information visit the project website here