Open Cambridge : The History of the Book

Explore the history of the book in the atmospheric setting of St John’s College’s seventeenth-century Library. Marvel at medieval illuminated manuscripts and the skills of the scribes who created them. Journey through the technological innovations of the Renaissance printing press that revolutionised Europe. Meet the engravers and colourists whose illustrations adorned the printed page. Voyage to the Orient to discover the different techniques used to produce early Chinese books. Then travel full-circle to the twentieth-century revival of traditional book-making crafts by the Private Press movement.

This public exhibition is open in the Old Library from 2.00 pm  until 4.30 pm on both Friday 14 and Saturday 15 September. All are welcome. No need to book. Entry is free.

Please note: the Old Library is on the first floor and is accessed via a staircase. We regret there is no disabled access.