Exhibitions abroad: Treasures from the world’s largest collection of illuminated royal manuscripts to go on display at the British Library

Treasures from the world’s largest collection of illuminated royal manuscripts will go on display at the British Library this winter.

These beautifully decorated works were collected by the kings and queens of England between the 9th and 16th centuries. The vibrant colours have been preserved despite the passing of time and "will debunk the myth that these were 'the Dark Ages'," according to the exhibition's curator, Dr Scot McKendrick. He said that the 1,200 manuscripts the library owned was "a remarkable inheritance". He stressed that the state of preservation was "truly remarkable, truly spectacular" and the vibrancy of the colours seemed as fresh now as they would have been when they were first painted. He added that they provided a window into a remote world and a unique insight into the lives of the English royal family."

Examples include Book of Romances or The Shrewsbury Book, a wedding gift for Margaret of Anjou and Henry VI in 1445, and a 14th century scroll depicting a royal family tree. Henry VIII's velvet-bound Psalter is also among the exhibits. A highlight of the exhibition will be a route map or itinerary for any 13th century pilgrim preparing to journey from London to Jerusalem. It is almost a rough guide to getting there through Kent, France and Italy to the boat in Apulia, showing the must-see landmarks en route.

The term “illuminated” refers to hand-painted manuscripts flecked with gold, which created a flickering effect when viewed by candlelight. Religion, politics, history and royal identity are all explored in the illustrations and accompanying text.

The exhibition will be staged from November 11, 2011 to March 13, 2012. It will run in conjunction with a BBC Four series, “The Private Lives of Medieval Kings”.