Sobieski Hours

This facsimile reproduces the 234 leaves of the volume, including 60 full-page miniatures and over 400 richly decorated narrative scenes.

Creating the Sobieski Hours Facsimile

      The production of a facsimile involves multiple stages, with a number of specialists working on each process. From photographing and measuring the original manuscript, to adding patina (signs of age) to a variety of gold and silver foils, and from hand-stitching the quires (fours sheets of paper folded to form eight leaves), to crafting and gilding the metal clasps for the case, this was a long and intricate production process.  

      Below are a selection of images illustrating some of the stages and explaining them in more detail.

      The facsimile can be seen displayed alongside the original manuscript in the Queen's Drawing Room at Windsor Castle from Saturday, 4 February until Friday, 24 March 2017.    

      The original manuscript has to be photographed in a way that does not damage the binding or the individual leaves. The manuscript itself is never opened to more than 90 degrees to protect the spine.
      Different samples of gold foil are selected to match the shade and brilliance of the original gold leaf. The reproduction of painted gold is particularly difficult to achieve due to the number of extremely fine lines.
      Because the shine of the original gold leaf varies, different types of patina have to be printed over the gold foil to mimic this. Patina colours include grey, brown, yellow, red and a rusty colour, which combines red and silver.
      The proofs are checked page by page to ensure that they match the original; even the smallest colour variations need to be corrected.
      When comparing proofs, the production manager defines the colours for use in the final printing. Three rounds of colour proofing take place and some of the colours, particularly the blue tones, have to be specially treated to match the originals.
      Once all of the proofing stages are complete, two printers are appointed to manage the printing of the sheets and to guarantee the quality of every page. One printer focuses on the colour while the other checks the gold and silver applications.
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