In July, the University of Wales Lampeter is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of benefactor Thomas Phillips with a physical and online exhibition: Thomas Phillips and the Greatest Little Library in Wales.
The exhibition contains highlights of the manuscripts and books donated to St David’s College by Thomas Phillips between 1834 and 1852. During this time, Phillips donated more than 60 consignments of rare books and manuscripts and items from amongst these have been carefully selected to showcase the significance and range of his bequest.
Highlights of the exhibition include the infamous ‘Monk’s Blood’ manuscript shown to author George Borrow on his visit to Lampeter in 1854 and described by him in Wild Wales (1862): “The grand curiosity is a manuscript which once belonged to the monks of Bangor Is Coed. It bears the marks of blood with which it was sprinkled when the monks were massacred by the heathen Saxons…”
On loan from the National Library of Wales is the notebook of John Jones of Cefnfaes, Rhayader, Radnorshire. John Jones was a relative of Thomas Phillips, and the notebook is the primary source for information on Phillips’ life and work, from the pen of one who knew him well and who acted as an executor for his will.
The materials donated by Phillips now form part of the University’s unique Special Collections. These Collections are undeniably a treasure, not only for the University but also for Wales, comprising more than 30,000 volumes printed between 1470 and 1850 (including 69 incunabula) as well as eight medieval and 100 post-medieval manuscripts.
The exhibition is open to the public from 12 July to 2 August 2010, from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday as well as during the afternoon on Saturday 24 July 2010 to coincide with the Lampeter Food Festival. Access to the exhibition is from within the Main University Library. Groups are advised to book in advance. Visits outside normal opening may be possible if booked in advance.
An online and larger virtual exhibition is permanently available at www.lamp.ac.uk/rodericbowen/.
For group bookings or further information, please contact 01570 424716 or 01570 422351 or email [email protected].
