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Modern Encounters With a Medieval Almanac

  • Series
Photograph of a fragile folding almanac from the 15th century. The almanac is spotlit on a black background. It is photographed from the side so that the folded pages in its middle can me seen sandwiched by the covers. It's cover is made of an intricate woven green and pink fabric. The spine where the pages meet, taper into a point.

In our collections there’s a medieval folding almanac, which is remarkable both for its beautiful and intricate construction and for the detailed information it contains, connecting the human body to the stars and world around it. This enigmatic object has captivated scholars and visitors alike, but for three makers: an animator, an artist and a craftsperson, it has been the inspiration for their own creative journeys. In this series of articles, you’ll find out more about the almanac and discover what the makers created.

  • Article

The enigma of the medieval folding almanac

With its combination of rich, portable data and high-end style, this folding almanac could have been the medieval equivalent of the latest iPhone.

  • In pictures

Following the maker’s path into the lost art of medieval embroidery

Textile maker Jacqui Carey unravels the mysteries of medieval embroidery by recreating the materials and techniques for herself, with the help of clues left by the original makers.

  • Article

An animated almanac for the modern world

Discover why Thomas Coleman wanted to make a medieval folding almanac relevant to the modern world and see the film for yourself.

  • Article

Divining the world through an artist’s almanac

Amanda Couch's artists book, 'Huwawa in the Everyday: an almanac' is inspired by the entrail like folds of a medieval folding and its function as a guide for astrological divinations linking the body, health and the heavens. Like the original almanac her work is designed to be carried out into the wider world.

About the editor

Black and white headshot of Lalita Kaplish, digital editor.

Lalita Kaplish

(she/her)

Lalita is a digital content editor at Wellcome Collection with particular interests in the history of science and medicine and discovering hidden stories in our collections.