Author from BL YT 32, f. 1v - Public domain medieval manuscript

Miniature of the author of the chronicle, standing behind a brown scroll on which is inscribed the title of the work, in gold letters; behind him, to the left, two lions support the old arms of Burgundy, with shelves of books on the right. Image taken from f. 1v of Chroniques abrégées des Anciens Rois et Ducs de Bourgogne. Written in French.

Henry Yates Thompson (1838-1928) was a British collector and philanthropist who assembled this remarkable collection over his lifetime. The collection is now housed at the British Library in London.

Henry Yates Thompson was born into a wealthy family in 1838. Thompson began collecting manuscripts and other items in the 1870s. His collection quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and breadth. He had a keen eye for illuminated manuscripts, which are manuscripts decorated with intricate illustrations and calligraphy. The collection has a particular emphasis on medieval manuscripts.