Pope Felix, Simplicius and Faustina from BL YT 49, vol. 2, f. 27v

Unfinished miniatures of Pope Felix and of Simplicius and Faustina, with illuminated initials and partial foliate borders, at the beginning of their legends. Image taken from vol. 2, f. 27v of La légende dorée (index Legende doree; Golden legend; Legenda aurea; Legendae sanctorum; Legends of the saints). 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.