A latest exhibition on the British Library will offer a rare have a look at the lives of medieval women, illuminating their often-hidden place in history through a multi-sensory experience. Using a variety of displays, including scent installations, movies, music and digital interactives, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words counters the usual narratives that tell history through the experiences of men, bringing the lives of ladies front and centre.
Among the person stories featured within the exhibition are those of Hildegard of Bingen, the visionary and prophet who wrote theological, musical and medical works; Estellina Conat, the primary woman on record to release a book under her own name; Christine de Pizan, Europe’s first female skilled creator; Joan of Arc, France’s warrior saint who led them to triumph on the siege of Orléans; and Trota of Salerno, the influential female physician.
The exhibition takes a variety of things from the British Library’s own wealthy collection of original manuscripts, documents and printed books, but in addition includes quite a few significant loans from UK and international lenders.
Among the items on display are an original signed letter from Joan of Arc to the residents of Riom, penned in 1429 to request military aid, in addition to the one surviving complete copy of The Revelations of Divine Love written by Julian of Norwich, the primary work in English known to be authored by a lady.
“Through over 140 amazing objects, Medieval Women highlights the importance of original manuscripts, documents, printed books and artefacts in recovering the lives of ladies prior to now,” Eleanor Jackson, Lead Curator of Medieval Women on the British Library said.
“While their stories have been traditionally ignored, this exhibition restores women to their central place in history and divulges the vital contributions that they’ve made to our society.”
The exhibition includes objects that show the place faith held within the day-to-day lifetime of medieval women, including an early Fifteenth-century birthing girdle inscribed with prayers intended to assist provide a fast and painless delivery, and a duplicate of The Rule of St Clare, the primary set of monastic guidelines written by a lady.
Visitors may even find themselves experiencing the scents of medieval life, with the library commissioning scent designer Tasha Marks to develop 4 immersive fragrance installations that include two fragrances which are based on recipes from the Thirteenth-century text De Ornatu Mulierum (On Women’s Cosmetics) and recreate a hair perfume and a breath freshener. Visitors may even experience two scents based on the designer’s interpretations of medieval understandings of the heavenly and demonic.
Accompanying the exhibition are quite a few in-person and online events inspired by the exhibition, including talks from award-winning writers like Kate Mosse, Philippa Gregory and Lauren Groff who will discuss how the medieval period has influenced their very own work in addition to unpacking the stories that feature within the exhibition
The events include a special live performance from composer and multi-instrumentalist Laura Cannell, whose latest album Rituals of Hildegard Reimagined includes the reconstructed music of Hildegard von Bingen, a performance by Gazelle Twin and the London Symphony Orchestra, and a London Literary Salon workshop on Chaucer.
There may even be quite a few academic presentations, including from Dr Hetta Howes from London’s City University and author Helen Carr re-assessing among the preconceptions in regards to the lives of medieval European women while historian Dr Janina Ramirez, creator of the best-selling Femina, will explore the role of chivalry within the Middle Ages.
Made possible through the support of Joanna and Graham Barker and the Unwin Charitable Trust, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words shall be open on the British Library from 25 October – 2 March 2025. It may even include the chance to buy an accompanying book of essays, Medieval Women: Voices & Visions.
