UK Research Trip – Part Two
Theresa Zischkin’s journey through the manuscript collections of the UK continued in Oxford, where the city’s rich scholarly heritage, breathtaking architecture, and world-renowned libraries offered the perfect setting for her next phase of research. Upon arriving, she took the opportunity to begin her stay with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum — a treasure trove of world art and archaeology.
A Sunday at the Ashmolean Museum
From the top floor down, Theresa explored the Ashmolean’s diverse collections, savouring the unique atmosphere of the museum on a bustling summer Sunday. A highlight of her visit was the Islamic art gallery, where she was delighted to discover a specimen of decorated paper — an exciting find that beautifully tied into her ongoing research on paper decoration in manuscripts. The museum’s thought-provoking curation made for a rich and inspiring start to the week.
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Manuscript Studies at the Bodleian Library
On Monday morning, Theresa began her formal research at the Bodleian Library, where she was granted access to the reading room and to a carefully selected set of manuscripts. Seeing the objects in person for the first time allowed her to delve into new visual and material aspects, enriching her analysis and raising fresh questions. From the shimmering elegance of gold-sprinkled folios to the precision of stencilled ornamentation, each manuscript offered insights into artistic exchanges and technical ingenuity from the Timurid to the Mughal periods.
Image courtesy of the Bodleian Library, Oxford
Afternoons in the Conservation Workshop
Theresa spent her afternoons at the conservation workshop, where she was warmly welcomed by curator Alasdair Watson and paper conservator Julia Bearman. Their generous guidance, thoughtful suggestions, and the opportunity to work in the studio environment provided a rare behind-the-scenes look into the care and preservation of Islamic manuscripts. Using the specialist equipment, Theresa was able to study materials and techniques with great precision — an invaluable experience for the project’s research on decorated papers. We extend heartfelt thanks to Alasdair and Julia for their time, expertise, and hospitality throughout the week.
Image courtesy of the Bodleian Library, Oxford
Mornings at the Jameel Centre
Two mornings were dedicated to studying folios at the Jameel Centre, located within the Ashmolean Museum. Here, Theresa was able to examine single pages and dispersed folios, some of which featured stencilled decoration and stunningly adorned borders. These folios added further depth to her investigation into the broader visual language of manuscript decoration across the Islamicate world. Special thanks go to Alessandra Cereda, the collections manager, as well as to Laura and Ben, for their generous supervision and for allowing Theresa to make use of her equipment, which greatly supported her hands-on study.
Image courtesy of Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Exploring Oxford Between the Lines
Even outside the archives and workshops, Theresa immersed herself in Oxford’s extraordinary scholarly atmosphere. During her lunch breaks, she visited the historic Divinity School and the adjoining Duke Humphrey’s Library — having made sure, of course, to take the traditional Bodleian oath not to bring fire into the library, just as readers have done for centuries. She also had the pleasure of experiencing the Weston Library’s excellent exhibition Treasured, which showcased many European as well as Islamicate manuscripts of the Bodleian’s collections.
Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library, Oxford.
Looking Ahead to London
Theresa’s time in Oxford was filled with discovery, collegiality, and careful observation — a perfect combination for advancing her study of decorated paper. With her laptop full of notes and her mind buzzing with new ideas, she is now headed towards her final destination: London.
Stay tuned as the journey continues!