Illuminated initials from BL YT 16, f. 17

Detail of an illuminated initial 'H'(ec), partial foliate border, and illuminated initial 'E'(gressus) with a 'U' shaped hook, containing a miniature of Pharoah's daughter finding Moses in a rush basket, in the Bible. Image taken from f. 17 of Bible. Written in Latin.

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.