The book in the Low Countries: New perspectives, hidden collections

Great Britain and the Low Countries share a large part of their histories. There are countless stories of political and economic rivalries and wars, stories of religious and political exile in both directions, but also of cultural exchange and influence. Also the book business of the early modern era was characterised by an influx of printers, materials and books from the Low Countries to England. Rare books and manuscripts were eagerly collected by English bibliophiles and most of these collections are nowadays found in libraries all over the country.

This two-day symposium has a double goal. In a combination of papers and collection visits, it wants to bring these often overlooked collections to the surface, and it also offers an overview of the latest research on Low Countries books.

Speakers include: 

• Reinier Salverda, (UCL and Fryske Akademy)

• Catherine Wright, (University of Oxford)

• Goran Proot, (University of Udine)

• Jaap Geraerts, (UCL)

• Patrick Storme, (Universiteit Antwerpen)

• Heleen Wyffels, (KU Leuven)

• Marja Smolenaars, (Koninklijke Bibliotheek)

• Steven Van Impe, (Erfgoedbibliotheek Hendrik Conscience)

• Arthur der Weduwen, (University of St. Andrews)

• Erik Geleijns, (Museum Meermanno)

• Kasper van Ommen, Scaliger Institute

• Raphaele Mouren, Warburg Institute

• Giles Mandelbrote, Lambeth Palace Library

• Elizabeth Savage, Institute of English Studies

Delegates will also visit the following locations as part of the conference:

• Lambeth Palace Library
  
• British Library
  
• Dutch Church
  
• Senate House Library