Detail: Lehrer und Schüler aus BL YT 19, f. 65

Miniature of man teaching tonsured students, and decorated initial 'Q'(uant), in Brunetto Latini's Le Livre du Trésor. Image taken from f. 65 of Li Livres dou Tresor. 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.