This collection of objects is largely from the medieval collections of the Hunt Museum with some fine additions from the Limerick Museum that is being published as part of a larger project The Art of Reading in the Middle Ages (ARMA). This European funded project aims to show how medieval reading culture evolved and became a fundamental aspect of European culture. As part of this project, The Hunt Museum will deliver 156 items created between the years c. 500 and c.1550 to the DRI for publication through the DRI and on Europeana, including medieval manuscript fragments, paintings, carved ivories, and painted panels that depict reading culture or link to book production.
The project will create rich object descriptions and many objects published on Europeana will be curated into editorials such as galleries and blogs.
Additionally, the project will enable the exchange of knowledge and experiences among curators and educators at cultural heritage institutions across Europe. The focus will be on creating educational activities using the project collection, aimed at primary, secondary and postsecondary teachers and students.