Illuminated treasures of the Orne abbeys in the time of William

Manuscripts of the monasteries of St-Évroult-d’Ouche and St-Martin-de-Sées

The exhibition highlights the activity of Norman scriptoria in the 11th and 12th centuries, during the time of William the Conqueror.

The writing workshops of the Abbey of Saint-Évroult-d’Ouche and the Abbey of Saint-Martin-de-Sées are among the major centers of manuscript production during this period.

The Aveline Media Library in Alençon preserves several manuscripts from these two sites.

As a special feature, around twenty manuscripts from the collections of the media library and the diocesan archives of Séez are being jointly presented. The exhibition reveals the richness of their illuminations: ornamental letters, colored initials, and decorations featuring harmonious and symbolic motifs.

The presentation also offers a discovery of bookmaking in the Middle Ages: materials, writings, and illumination techniques, while questioning the motivations of the monastic copyists and the exchange of influences between writing workshops, beyond Normandy, particularly with England.

Partnerships: Normandy Book and Reading / Diocesan Archives of Séez / Departmental Archives of Orne