24 December: The Wollaton Antiphonal
December 24, 2011
The Wollaton Antiphonal is a large church service book made in around 1430. Its purpose is illustrated in this illuminated initial which shows three clerics singing. The Antiphonal was made for Sir Thomas Chaworth, who was the richest man in Nottinghamshire at the time, and no expense was spared. When Chaworth died it was bought …
22 December: Father Christmas
December 22, 2011
Father Christmas, Santa Claus, St Nicholas – whatever you call him, he’s an essential part of today’s Christmas festivities. This image from the Briggs Collection is entitled ‘Old Father Christmas’ and is from E Bond’s Leaves from a Christmas Bough (London, 1897). While this illustration may be instantly recognisable as the Santa we know today, …
20 December: Chatsworth Christmas dinner
December 20, 2011
If you understand French, this menu from the lavish Christmas dinner at Chatsworth House in 1904 shows the festive feast that the lucky guests were treated to. But while the menu may be en Francais, the meal still includes some British favourites with Cumberland beef and mince pies making the cut alongside ‘Fromage Grille’ and …
16 December: Medieval deed
December 16, 2011
A clove of gillyflower… This is a medieval deed which records a land transaction made over 700 years ago stipulating that a clove of gillyflower is to be paid by the tenant to their landlord on Christmas day. In case you’re not sure, gillyflower is a type of carnation that was often used as a …
15 December: The Clarion
December 15, 2011
The Clarion was a magazine produced by allied prisoners of war at Stalag 344 and this is the front cover of the edition from Christmas 1944. It contains a range of material including pictures of a sunny day at the Stalag lido and tales of what a typical pre-war Christmas was like for captives from …
7 December: Dig for Victory – Grow for Winter as well as Summer
December 7, 2011
This Dig for Victory poster is from the University’s Collection of British World War II propaganda posters and was originally intended to encourage Britons to grow their own vegetables over the winter months – in addition to spring and summer. This was part of a necessary drive for increased self sufficiency and sustainability in the face of …
4 December: Charity at Christmas
December 4, 2011
The Derby ‘Robin’ Christmas Dinner Society’s 10th annual charity event took place on 27 December 1907 – and this is a copy of the balance sheet and a report from the society’s Secretary TC Hill. The purpose of the dinner was ‘to provide a substantial meal of Old English Fare for the poorest and most …
2 December: Robin red-breast
December 2, 2011
This beautiful illustration of a robin features in one of about 650 ornithological books that form part of the University’s Porter Collection. Out of all the birds in the extensive collection, the robin is by far the most heavily associated with the festive period – but why is that? And why exactly do we put …
1 December: Glee for Three Voices
December 1, 2011
This piece is taken from the University’s collection of early music and is the opening section of an 18th century musical interpretation by John Percy of winter from William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour Lost (printed London, c.1795). Below is a video of a special performance for your viewing and listening pleasure by five of The University …
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