Once again, The Colleagues of Calligraphy will be visiting James Ford Bell Library (inside the Andersen Library) at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus..

Our last visit in January of 2019 was a feast for the eyes, as we examined a selection of hand produced books and manuscripts, covering about 1,000 years of history before the printing press. Curator Marguerite Ragnow was our very knowledgeable guide in 2019, and will be again! We may have a repeat display of some items, but also a selection of others that we did not see before - to be decided when Maggie and Janey Westin (Colleague who is organizing this event) meet soon.

Colleagues may be interested in arriving as early as 12:00 PM to allow time for viewing a very good exhibit in the same location, "The Art of the Travel Narrative." Travel literature was one of the most popular genres in the late medieval and early modern periods. These were times of unprecedented travel, which coincided with the advent of the printing press. This exhibit explores both the art of constructing a good travel narrative, based on real or imagined travel, and the artwork that often accompanied these literary works. This exhibit is open through January 27, 2023 in the ground floor Bell Gallery within the Elmer L. Andersen Library.

Andersen Library building policy is "Masks are Recommended,” but we are asking that all attendees wear a mask out of consideration for all members in attendance.

Coats, backpacks and large bags must be secured in free lockers prior to manuscript viewing in the reading room. Please wash your hands in the restroom before handling any manuscripts – let's help preserve them! Non-flash photography is allowed, for further study of items. Pencil and paper, but NOT PENS, are allowed for note taking. It is recommended that you bring your own magnifying glass.

PARKING: The closest parking is UMN Parking Lot 86, directly NE of the Elmer Andersen Library building, and north of the Law School building. It is covered with solar panels. You can access Lot 86 via South 2nd Street. Use Google or MapQuest and search for Elmer L. Andersen Library. It should pop right up.

Photos from our last visit in 2019:

--The Speculum Historiale (Mirror of History) is from Flanders, 1280, credited

to Vincent of Beauvais. The page shown, is about Charlemagne, beginning with a

gorgeous decorated cap "K", for Karolus Magnus.

--The Venetian Maritime Insurance document dates to 1426.