Joint ARANZ/LIANZA Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui Event
12th C. MS From the Collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Ruth Lightbourne (Alexander Turnbull Library)

Date: Wednesday 24 June, 2015
Time: 5.30pm-
Venue: National Library building – ground floor
RSVP: By Friday 19 June to Rachel.esson@dia.govt.nz

Light refreshments will be provided.

Rare chance to hear about a 12th century manuscript from the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library. Ruth Lightbourne has been Curator of the Rare Book Collection for 10 years. Being in charge of this fascinating collection of over 20,000 physical items has proved a delight, and one of the best aspects of the job is being able to share some of these treasures, through talks such as this, or in exhibitions, blogs and the like.

Among the many wonders in the Rare Book Collection of the Alexander Turnbull Library is a small group of medieval manuscripts, each one with a fascinating story to tell, whether it be in the content, the illuminations, or the provenance. Choosing one was difficult, but for this talk Ruth Lightbourne will explore perhaps the most special and one of her favourites.

Questions which immediately arise are: What does it look like? What is it about? How did it arrive in New Zealand? Accompanied by images, Ruth will show you some of the physical characteristics of this manuscript, look at its content and its two authors, Boethius and Guido of Arezzo, and trace the manuscript’s previous owners and how it arrived in New Zealand. Following the talk, she will give you a taste of what the music of the 12th century sounded like.