Research & Conservation
Research on the techniques and colours used by the miniaturists
The five illuminators who worked on the Geraardsbergen Breviary used a limited palette of colours; nevertheless, they were able to produce rich colour effects owing to the way in which they painted and how they mixed their paint. Most of the colours produced were based on vermilion, red lead, ochre, lead-tin-yellow, azurite, copper green, silver and gold. Despite the passage of 570 years, they have retained a remarkable degree of freshness.
The digitisation of the Breviary
For optimal full digital access and consultation to the four volumes of the Breviary of Geraardsbergen high resolution images have been produced of the manuscripts. These images were obtained by following a standardized protocol for the digitisation of manuscripts.
The conservation of the Breviary
Contemporary book restorers set to work in the manner of archaeologists when conserving and restoring medieval manuscripts. Instead of ruins, their worksite is the manuscript, and every fragment and every instance of damage is carefully recorded and photographed.