NEWSLETTER of THE LEVANTINE FOUNDATION No. 4 July, 2011

Major Conservation Success TLF completes preservation of two major treasures

Four Gospels’ in 5th Century Syriac. Manuscript before..... after conservation

Four Gospels’ in 13th century Coptic. Manuscript before.... after conservation Chief Executive Elizabeth Sobczynski - the conservation task… It is with great satisfaction that the Foundation announces the completion of the preservation these two major treasures for world heritage. Following two substantial private donations we were able to employ a highly skilled international team from all over Europe. Here is the story of the meticulous conservation work undertaken: patience and perseverance are the essential qualities of a conservator!

MS. Deir al-Surian, Syr. 10 [MK6]; Four century when Syrian monks established their 5th or 6th century hand. It is on fine parchment Gospels, 5th century, fls. 104, parchment, community there or in the tenth century when support consisting of 104 folios. Just three Dimensions: 28,2 cm x 23,5 cm Moses of Nisbis, Abbot of the Monastery, brought quarters of the original book survived. Matthew’s an accession of two hundred volumes from his Gospel has been lost. The 5th century Four Gospels is the earliest trip to Baghdad. bound manuscript in the collection and “possibly The text is written in two columns in a mixture the earliest existing gospel manuscript in the The Four Gospels is part of a composite of the carbon black and iron gall ink favoured by world” ((Dr Sebastian Brock, Deir al-Surian, manuscript which had been bound together scribes for its blackness and lustre. One column 2005). It was written in Syria or Mesopotamia probably in the 13th-14th centuries out of seven of the text on the last page has been written in and reached the Deir al Surian either in the ninth different manuscripts, the oldest of which is in a continued on page 2 1 Portrait of a Patron: John Julius Norwich £100K Training Grant from Sawiris Foundation

books on Mount Athos, The History of Venice, - during which I got shot in the head - but peace Deswqy abd el Aziz; and “Conservation: Past and Byzantium and most recently The Papacy. He is was eventually restored and we travelled widely Present” by Elizabeth Sobczynski. also Co-Chairman of the World Monuments Fund. through the Middle East, much of which I got It was very encouraging to see the positive way “Since I was a very young man I have always to know reasonably well. It was from Beirut, in in which relationships with our partners have had a fascination with the Eastern Mediterranean January 1960, that we got a wonderful invitation developed. The level of cooperation and support and the Orthodox world. It all began, I suppose, to travel as guests of the Egyptian government up was commendable. Partners hosted courses when I joined the Foreign Service and in January the Nile as far as Wadi Halfa, to look at the dozen- in their venues, provided access to necessary 1955 was sent to my first post, Belgrade. We odd temples that were due to be flooded by the equipment and materials, offered assistants, were, it is true, a long way from the sea; but new Aswan High Dam. translators, security and day-to-day advice. Orthodoxy was all around us, and we used to visit Two years after my return to London in 1960, I Consequently, relationships between TLF and the glorious painted churches of South Serbia left the Foreign Service in order to write history, its partners deepened substantially. As a result and Macedonia - Peć, Dečani, Ohrid, Nerezi, which is what I have been doing for the past half- of the study visits new contacts have also been Sopočani and many others. That summer we century. My first book was on Mount Athos; six made between museum authorities, restoration spent a fortnight in a caique, cruising the Aegean years later, after a long east-west desert crossing, departments and representatives from public and with (among others) Paddy Leigh Fermor, who has I wrote another on the Sahara. Most of the rest private (monastic and church) institutions. In always been one of my oldest friends. He taught have been straight history, first that of the Norman particular, contact and dialogue has been opened me more than anyone and effectively introduced Kingdom in South Italy and Sicily, then of the between TLF and Cairo University which we hope me to Byzantine history (of which I was later to Venetian Republic, then of the Byzantine Empire, will lead to a working relationship and educational write three volumes of my own). It was he who and more recently of the Mediterranean and the exchange. Furthermore, as a result of publicity introduced me to Robert Byron’s The Byzantine Papacy. (This last is published this year) generated by the course in the UK, TLF has been Achievement, which had a huge influence. I think all this should explain why I was so approached by the University of the Arts, Book From Belgrade I was sent to Beirut, another great delighted to be a Patron of the Levantine and Art Conservation Department in London, crossroads of north and south, east and west, Foundation. I love Egypt, I love the Eastern to consider a formal collaboration which would John Julius, 2nd Viscount Norwich, recently Christian and Muslim. For six months we went religions (though I know relatively little about the lead to the exchange of knowledge, placement of joined our group of esteemed patrons. Now a through a sort of dress rehearsal for the dreadful ) and I love the idea of monasticism.” postgraduate students and other mutual benefits. full time writer, his many published works include civil war which was to rage through the seventies The main outcomes of the first programme make interesting reading. 106 participants enrolled on continued from page 1 the course and attendance was consistently high. Practical workshops were able to accommodate and vegetation are present throughout the book. The Trustees are delighted to report that TLF Foundation as well as assisting with our primary between 50-55 people successfully with The text has been written in one column in a has been awarded a grant of LE1,000,000 goal of preserving cultural heritage on paper in appropriate Arabic language support. Feedback mixture of carbon and iron-gall ink which was (approximately GB£100,000) for training by the the region. The Board of TLF recognises there has been excellent with strong demand for a also used to outline most of the decorations. Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and is a global shortage of skilled conservators with second programme. This will be for the same With the exception of the first section where Al Ahram Beverages Company. This follows a the expertise to preserve paper-based heritage of participants and will deepen their understanding Western paper was used the book was executed highly successful pilot programme run by TLF in the age found in Egypt. Training such as this will and build on their initial practical skills. Although on a beautifully burnished Eastern paper. March 2009 which was reported in our previous provide the infrastructure of preservation for the attendance of monks and nuns from church The overriding damage to this object was newsletter. region in the future. collections could be subject to other constraints chemical caused by ink and corrosive copper a special outcome of the course was the joint The purpose of the grant was to deliver two The main partners in the programme, which was green pigment resulting in cracks and heavy participation of Muslim and Christian participants training courses in 2010-2011 to staff in the managed and designed by TLF Chief Executive losses to the paper. In addition adhesive used for working together for the first time. Interest has leading museums in Cairo, monastic and Elizabeth Sobczynski, are the National Museum the old repairs caused heavy discolouration and been expressed from similar institutions in Syria church collections, postgraduate students and and Archives, the Coptic Museum, the Supreme planar distortions to the substrate. The book was to transfer the courses to their own region. This caption caption xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx jobseekers in the relevant professions. The Council of Antiquities, who provided logistics unskilfully restored and rebound in the 1940s will be considered by the Board when the Cairo objective is to establish a better understanding and venues, and Leiden University which led an during which the right margin has been severely project is completed. the manuscript has been placed in a temporary of the practices of conservation, protection and international team of tutors expert in their various vermillion, usually used for titles, headings and trimmed, disfiguring border decorations. The The training team is currently at an advanced custom made conservation box. Ultimately the maintenance of collections, the development of fields. TLF is advised by an international Board of important parts of the text. leather cover used for binding was too small stage in planning the second programme to be manuscript will be stored in a stainless steel box skills and the creation of a safer environment Advisers from major museums . One of the most alarming aspects before exposing the text block to mechanical damage. held in Cairo in 2012. All enquiries should be that is immune to environmental conditions and for both employees and museum collections Despite the impact of the volcanic dust cloud conservation was the lack of any protection to the A team of four to five book conservators from directed to Elizabeth Sobczynski at offers protection against fire and water. alike. The aim is to increase the number of preventing leading contributors Dr Mat Immerzeel text block exposing the delicate ancient substrate Italy, Poland and Spain worked tirelessly for over [email protected] or 106 St George’s Square, qualified museum and collection personnel and and Professor Bas ter Haar Romeny from to mechanical damage. Over the centuries, MS. Deir al-Surian, Coptic. 21; Four Gospels, twenty four weeks in total to conserve the text London SW1V 3QY also employment opportunities and thus support participating, their sessions were replaced by parchment and writing ink have been subjected 13th century, fls324, paper block. Finally, a new leather cover fit for purpose the preservation of Egyptian heritage for future other tutors to whom we are indebted. These to fluctuating temperatures and humidity Dimensions: 32,4 cm x 28,5 cm was made and the manuscript bound in the generations. included the following topics which indicate resulting in dimensional changes, curling of the autumn 2010. The 13th century Four Gospels is one of the This major training opportunity is consistent the breadth of the edges, brittleness and flaking and losses to the Conservation is a multifaceted on-going process most important manuscripts in the Coptic with the educational aims of the Levantine programme as well as text. Evidence of inappropriate handling, the use requiring the taking of difficult decisions, great collection. It was written by the scribe Simon providing a historic and of candle light and overall neglect were manifest technical skill and vast financial resources. It is Ibn Peter in 1220 A.D. in the Deir al Surian cultural framework for in the widespread wax staining, finger dirt, an immense achievement to realize successfully scriptorium where it has remained for the last the practical workshop grime and grease accumulation to the margins, projects of this calibre taking into account the eight hundred years. Little is known about the sessions: “The Treasures water and glue staining and general parchment unsuitable working conditions in the current history of the monastery in the thirteenth and of The Egyptian Museum” degradation. A team of conservation experts library, and the limited duration of campaigns. fourteenth centuries. However, the production by Dr. Mohamed el including Christopher Clarkson, a specialist The Levantine Foundation would like to thank and of such a rich manuscript leads us to assume Halwagy; “The Coptic in medieval bindings, and John Mumford, remains grateful to the donors: Mr John Osborn that the monks were well versed in art and Manuscript Tradition” a book conservator formerly at the British and Mr & Mrs Robert John and the conservators: literature. The MS. 21 is written in Boharic, the by Drs. Ezzat Salib Library, were consulted as to the best approach, Marzenna Szczerkowska, Anna Thommee, Laura ancient Coptic dialect used in Lower Egypt from and Kamillia Makram; method, technique and materials to be used to Ridoni, Maria Chiara Brancaleoni, Isabel Zarazua, the third until the thirteenth century when Arabic “Illumination of Islamic conserve this manuscript. Flavio Marzo, a book Monty Kamel, Neill McManus and Roderick Lane began gradually to replace it. It is an outstanding Manuscripts” by Professor conservator at the was responsible whose help and perseverance made completion work of art adorned with a full page, beautifully Aby el Hamd Mahmoud for the conservation treatment and for the of these precious manuscripts possible. designed cross and the in yellow Faarghaly; “Illumination making of a protective case (binding) to guard imitating gold and rich pigments. The richly of the Holy Quraan” the text block against damage. On completion, decorated margins full of stylised images of birds by Professor Shadia el

2 3 Dr Michelle Brown Links between Egypt and Britain in 7th century? joins TLF as What is the evidence? Dr. Michelle Brown, Professor of Medieval Manuscript Studies, School of Advanced Study, Academic Adviser University of London and also digital advisor at the British Library.

We set out early one morning from the Was St. embalmed with nitron using to speculate whether ancient embalming took a wrong turn as he sailed back via the as well as of their distinctive differences is (in)famous Windsor Hotel in Cairo, at one stage Egyptian techniques? techniques had been revived in the Wadi al- Straits of Gibraltar and ended up going the manifest. The stylistic influence of Coptic in its life the British Officers’ Club, now owned After the obligatory mint tea, we climbed with Natrun and transmitted to Britain. wrong way around Cornwall, getting shipwrecked manuscripts and textiles can be observed by Copts, for an interminably long and dusty taxi Father Bigoul to the ramparts of the monastery St.Cuthbert’s Gospel of St.John on , the site of a famous Celtic monastery alongside those from Celtdom, the Germanic ride to the Wadi al-Natrun. Several staff of the from which Irish monks had established the areas, Rome and Byzantium, within the and gazed out on the surrounding landscape. Other evidence of contact between the areas hotel asked me to pray for them at the monastery of in northern England. , and on the end of St Forget images of desert dunes culled from films survive. St Cuthbert was buried with a little there. The mud brick walls of the monastery Cuthbert’s coffin, made in 698, is the earliest such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and the ‘English copy of St John’s Gospel – the little Gospel that The Lindisfarne Gospels: Carpet Pages and rise, fortress-like, from the flat wastes that western depiction of the Virgin and Child – a Patient’. This desert is a lunar landscape of speaks of the things that work of love – which he Mats stretch beyond, into infinity. direct visual quote of Isis and Horus – when the had studied with his master, , at Melrose The pages of the Lindisfarne Gospels, made early Copts moved into the Pharaonic temples A cautious, yet essentially cheery, gatekeeper- in Scotland. It survives, and is exhibited next to there, recall the contribution of the Coptic they did not stop to redecorate, they gave many monk enquires of your purpose and grants you the Lindisfarne Gospels which were made in St Church among the plethora of visual cultural of the images they found new labels. Personally, entry through an aperture in the sturdy wooden Cuthbert’s honour as part of his around references which are blended together to form I find such indications of international cultural gate. There we were greeted by Father Bigoul, 720. The St Cuthbert Gospel of John carries the the first distinct statement of what it meant to continuity fascinating, and reassuring. the monastic librarian – a black-clad, heavily oldest surviving binding from the West, made at be British, in the wake of the world of Antiquity, bearded, tall ascetic figure, with a wicked ’s monastery of Monkwearmouth / and to be part of an ecumen which stretched The “Seven Monks of Egypt” twinkle in his eye. We were shown the church, around 700. It is made not in conventional early from the westernmost coast of Ireland – the end Next time I visit the simple, moving seventh- with its stunning paintings, the early adobe western fashion but entirely and proficiently of the known world – to the deserts of Syria, century grave of the ‘Seven Monks of Egypt’ on tower wherein the monks defended themselves in an eastern-Mediterranean method of Palestine and Egypt. The famous cross carpet- Inishmore in the Aran Isles, off of the western and undertook their domestic tasks of pressing unsupported sewing (in which the gatherings of pages of the Lindisfarne Gospels resemble Irish coast, I shall think of the Wadi al-Natrun oil and cooking and also the site of the notorious the book are sewn together with thread, rather the prayer mats which I have discovered were and of the enquiring spirit which led people, cellar. We then progressed past the papier than sewn onto leather support cords). The used liturgically in northern Europe at the time both men and women, from both areas to travel mache life-size reconstruction of the Nativity, technique has been learned, probably via direct and which were known to Bede (if you were across the world in order to better understand with camel – surprisingly untacky and comically contact. attending Good Friday services at Lindisfarne one another in this traumatic, tumultuous but whimsical. Dr. Michelle Brown with the Lindisfarne Giospels Bede, the Pilgrims and a Guide to Jerusalem in the early 8th century you would have spent optimistic period of transition in the world order, at the tomb of St.Cuthbert, Then began the ascent to the conservation much of the day on your prayer mat, praying in and pray that we can continue to learn from This was a much bigger, and smaller, world studio, at the top of a modern tower, not too an easterly direction). them today. than we imagine. Bede had access to a pilgrim’s different from its sixth-century counterpart. The Levantine Foundation is delighted to guide to Jerusalem, Palestine and Egypt which World Religions: a Shared Heritage © Dr. Michelle Brown The first problem facing the conservator in an announce that Dr Michelle Brown has accepted was brought back by one of the many pilgrims The cultural implications for an understanding environment such as this is how to get a water an invitation to become Academic Adviser to who travelled there – a Frankish bishop who of shared heritage between the world religions, the Board. Dr.Brown has been a supporter supply and how to establish a temperature which of our work since the establishment of the is more in line with the controlled environmental Foundation and would like to facilitate new links conditions available in many western libraries. and relationships which will allow us to broaden our activities into scholarship as well as training Two seated clerics flanking a palm tree on an and conferences, all part of the Foundation’s 8th-century Pictish slab from Fowlis Wester charitable objectives.

Currently Dr Brown is Professor of Medieval sharp white shale, the nitron of which was Manuscript Studies and Course Tutor in the used by the ancient Egyptians as part of the History of the Book at the Institute of English embalming process. The early hermits’ sketes, Studies, School of Advanced Study, University or cells, themselves can be as basic as dug-outs of London. Her research interests are extremely within this harsh ground – a living-tomb within wide within the overall subject of the role of which there is little respite from the blistering the book as a cultural medium. These include sun and no escape from your God – or yourself. the , codicology, art history and The backdrop is intensely different, but it socio-historical context of medieval manuscripts; immediately put me in mind of the ‘deserts’ late antique and early medieval history and of the Atlantic seaboard with which the Celt the material culture of Europe and the Levant; in me was familiar – the harsh, inhospitable and lastly art and spirituality, both historic and rock of Skellig Michael off the Kerry Coast in contemporary. SW Ireland, or the Inner Farne hermitage, an Dr.Brown was Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts island near Lindisfarne in NE England where St at the British Library for eighteen years until Cuthbert did battle with his demons of behalf 6th century church Deir al-Surian, Wadi al-Natrun 2004 and continues her involvement at the BL as of all Creation in the late seventh century. St Project Officer as well as advising British Library A tower room with windows placed to maximise Cuthbert’s body was found to be incorrupt when Publications. She has chaired and organised the cooling benefit of whatever breezes might exhumed in 698, eleven years after his death numerous conferences and seminars as well be out there was the best on offer. A workable – the ultimate sign of holiness, which ensured as delivering keynote speeches in all these studio was painstakingly created – nonetheless his efficacy as a rallying point for cultural fields. She has also published vastly on these presenting a challenging environment for the reconciliation and ecumenical collaboration research areas and especially on the subject of volunteers who staff the project with more, from within the early English and Celtic churches. the Lindisfarne Gospels coinciding with a major other libraries and partners, being encouraged It is fascinating to recall that at exactly this exhibition at the BL in 2003 called The Painted to travel there to gain experience working on period a parallel phenomenon is experienced in Labyrinth: the world of the Lindisfarne Gospels such materials. In turn, Father Bigoul has the Wadi al-Natrun. Pilgrims visiting the shrine which was attended by over 141,440 people. made several visits to the British Library, to of St Bishoi in the neighbouring monastery There is not space here to show the full extent gain instruction in conservation techniques to Deir al-Surian can still prod him to ensure of her published works. It is sufficient to say and so that I can instruct him in the essentials that his body is intact and imperishable within that the Board of TLF is delighted to have her of cataloguing manuscripts in an electronic his cladding of vestments. Without in any way on board and look forward to developing our database. intending to cast doubt upon the power of such Coptic style binding of the Gospel of St John deposited in St Cuthbert’s A senmurv, of Persian pedigree, adorning an initial in the Royal Prayerbook activities with her eminent support. focuses of cumulative holiness, it is tempting coffin, made at Wearmouth / Jarrow in c.698 from Mercia, c.800 (BL, Royal MS 2.A.xx)

4 5 Deir al-Surian: New Library Update The Levantine Foundation Headley Trust awards grant of £30,0000

We are pleased to report that great progress has been made on the construction of the new library building at Deir al Surian, so vital to the long term preservation of the manuscript collection. This is thanks to the generous grant of GB£30,000 Conservation Campaigns 2009 and 2010 awarded by the Headley Trust, one of the Eranda Foundation awards a grant of £11,000 Sainsbury family charities. The last eighteen months have demonstrated Stage 1, the foundations and skeleton of the once again that conservation and preservation building have been completed with funding of the Deir al-Surian collection remain the focus provided by the Monastic Council and TLF. The of our attention. Four conservation campaigns Headley Trust money has allowed the completion took place over this period with eight – ten of the first part of stage 2 of construction: the conservators from all over Europe participating completion of external and internal structural walls in each campaign. Following two major private as well as the preparatory ducting necessary prior donations the conservation work focused on the to the installation of air conditioning and heating conservation of the 5th century Four Gospels MS systems. The photographs shown below show 10, [MK6] in Syriac, and the 13th century Four how far the building has developed in a short Gospels MS 21 in Coptic. Both manuscripts are period of time. unique in their own right and belong to the most Readers will recall that one of the conditions treasured items in the collection. The books are imposed on the planning consent was that the a major resource for scholars working in a range building design should be sympathetic to the of disciplines, particularly those studying the ancient surroundings of the monastic community. Christian scripture, the history of the Christian It has certainly been successful in this regard church, the history of the book, and codicology judging by the water colour painted by artist A watercolour realisation by Albany Wiseman of the planned new library building at Deir al Surian - the study of the structure of books. Further Albany Wiseman (right) which was based on the detail about these particular manuscripts is in architectural drawings. the report on pages 1 & 2. The grant of £11,000 this equipment has to be imported from abroad The building itself is deceptively modest in scale, from the Eranda Foundation for work in 2010 the budget is very sensitive to variable foreign appearing to be of two storeys and no higher allowed us to deepen and extend our conservation exchange rates. Nevertheless we estimate that a than the ancient 6th century wall that bounds of the collection with additional manuscripts as further GB£287,200 will be required to complete it. However, it is in fact a 3 storey structure, well as refurbishing and stabilising a large number Julie Somerfield refurbishing selected volumes in the collection the building. Any potential donors should contact including a basement level which provides of items. our honorary treasurer Nigel Pilkington (email: Apostles”, was also bound in a beautifully restored Deir al-Surian team: Theresa Lupi from Malta, an ideal location for the book store which will [email protected]) or visit our leather cover by Neill McManus. Julie Somerfield a recent MA graduate from the have a sophisticated temperature and humidity West Dean College, UK, and Antonios Petras from newly updated website where donation forms can Report of the 2009 Campaigns Michal Sofer and Monika Stokowiec achieved control system for the long term preservation of be printed off and forwarded to him. an admirable result stabilising sixty codices as a Greece. Theresa and Antonios carried out jointly The aim of the campaigns was the conservation the delicate books and manuscripts. The two part of the refurbishment programme of the main the conservation of the 12th century Coptic codex Please help us complete this important building of the Coptic MS.21, “Four Gospels”, 324 folios, storeys above ground level will contain a larger collection. Other activities included digitizing of “The Consecration of Churches” Cat. 647 on for the sake of preserving these treasures – not (see article page 2) which was dis-bound and conservation studio as well as public access selected folios before conservation treatment as parchment which included full documentation, just for Egypt but for world heritage. Contact documented during the previous campaign. The areas and a reading room for visiting scholars and well as documenting manuscripts selected for disbanding, selected surface cleaning, details for the Foundation are on the back cover conservation work, which involved removing old members of the public. future conservation. reducing planar distortions to parchment and of the newsletter if you wish further information unsuitable repairs, was proving to be extremely Funds still needed compensating losses. Julie was given the task of about this and our other projects. Continuing our efforts to share conservation complex and time consuming due to the nature continuing refurbishment of the collection during However, the really expensive part (the purchase knowledge a two day conservation workshop of the highly polished Islamic paper on which it which she stabilised seventeen volumes. & installation of these engineering systems as well was written. Also, the previously used adhesive on the care of library collections was presented as the fitting out) still awaits funds. As much of Laura Ridoni expresses the feelings of the proved very difficult to reverse. A team of five by Elizabeth Sobczynski to the nuns from a conservation team upon the completion of the conservators participated in this work under monastery in Cairo. massive task of preserving Coptic MS 21. the supervision of Elizabeth Sobczynski and in consultation with Fr. Bigoul, the librarian. They “Working on such a beautiful artefact with such Report of the 2010 Campaign included: Laura Ridoni, Marzena Szczerkowska, a degree of difficulty has been a very interesting Anna Thommee, Isabel Zarazua. Assisting Work throughout 2010 continued that begun the experience that taught us a lot. The whole group with work was Monty Kamel. Neill McManus previous year: to complete the conservation and was happy and proud when the text block was put made a detailed documentation of the design to bind both Coptic MS.21 and Syriac MS.10 ; together ready to be bound, eventually to be used of the existing cover of this manuscript as part to bind a selection of other manuscripts treated during the services of the Coptic community and of a condition survey as well as a record for the during the past four campaigns; and to continue regaining a new working life. We would like to preparation of a replacement. refurbishing of the collection. The campaign was thank the Levantine Foundation for the fantastic planned and supervised by Elizabeth Sobczynski opportunity to work here and Deir al Surian for the Parallel with the above an important new project and lead by Marzena Szczerkowska. A team accommodation and hospitality they provided.” began: the conservation of the fifth century Syriac of seven conservators spent three weeks at the MS. 10, “Four Gospels”, on parchment support monastery focusing on different projects. Marzena (see article on front page). This manuscript was Szczerkowska attended to the finishing of the previously assessed by Christopher Clarkson in Coptic MS. 21 (see pages 1 & 2), as well as jointly 2008 who advised on the conservation approach. with Anna Thommee working on the conservation Research regarding the most appropriate of the Coptic MS.22. Flavio Marzo continued and approach to the binding and the format of a new completed the conservation of the Syriac MS. 10 cover for the manuscript was carried out by Fr. text block together with the making of a binding Bigoul and Elizabeth Sobczynski. case and a temporary conservation box. Roderick The conservation of Coptic MS. 23, the Gospel Lane carried out the binding of the 10th century of St. John, dated late 11th century and written Syriac MS.25, the 11th century Coptic MS.23 and on parchment was completed by Elizabeth the 13th century Coptic MS. 21. Main entrance to the new library accommodating Juxtaposition of new with the old Lighting the stairs! Sobczynski. Coptic MS.28, “The Acts of the We welcomed three new conservators into the the ancient tree! 6 7 From Little Things Big Things Grow Mother Antonia St Demiana

This expression has indeed held true for the Levantine Foundation’s outstanding work in preserving cultural heritage in the Near East. The Foundation has been a pioneer of sorts, being the first organisation to launch training in Egypt with a focus on educating librarians and custodians of manuscripts in Egyptian museums and monasteries. The Pilot Programme at the Coptic Museum in March 2009 was successful in its own right, however, the Spring programme of 2010 by far The newsletter outclassed its predecessor. is a publication of It was at the Museology and Conservation Pilot The Levantine Foundation Programme when I first came to learn of the Levantine Foundation, and its work and goals. It Editor Philippa Dodds John was then also that I first met Elizabeth Sobczynski Email: [email protected] who has since become a close friend and mentor. This year’s Spring Programme was conducted Editorial Board by the Levantine Foundation in partnership with Philippa Dodds John Leiden University in the Netherlands, the Egyptian Elizabeth Sobczynski Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the National Library and Archives of Egypt; and was supported of deterioration of historical materials. Freda Board of Trustees by the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development Matassa and Mark Hunt provided valuable Peter Chapman, Chairman and Al Ahram Beverages Company. Needless information about the fundamentals of collection Philippa Dodds John, Secretary to say, when such great forces unite, success is management. And finally, Bridget Mitchell Nigel Pilkington, Honorary Treasurer predictably guaranteed. discussed the aspects of ensuring safe housing Dr. Carol Bell for manuscripts and archival materials. The three-week programme was attended by Apart from being meticulous in the knowledge Chief Executive over 120 conservators, librarians, custodians, of their topics, the lecturers were all so pleasant Elizabeth Sobczynski employees, and students from a diversity of museums and colleges across Egypt. Also and patiently answered all of our questions. On a humourous note, just as Egyptian names are President in attendance were Coptic monks and nuns not easy on western tongues, so too are western Sir Derek Plumbly who manage collections in Egyptian Coptic monasteries. I attended the programme with names difficult for Egyptians to pronounce. So it was not long before Professor Whitkam became Patrons Mother Nardin who is another nun from my Professor Victim, Freda became Dr Farida (a His Holiness Pope Shenuda III monastery – the Monastery of Saint Demiana common Egyptian name), Mark became Mr Mark, His Grace Bishop Mattaos in Egypt’s Northern Delta region. The course and Bridget became Dr Bridge! Abbot of the Deir al Surian comprised of a fast-paced programme filled with The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, KCVO informative lectures, fascinating excursions, and In the third and final week of the programme, The Viscount Norwich, CVO practical hands-on training through which we all there were separate workshops for conservators The Viscount Portman learned immensely about the study, preservation, and librarians. This was to ensure that we The Rt. Revd Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and restoration of Christian and Islamic received specialised training in our specific Lady Plumbly collections. areas of work. In the workshops for conservators, Count Adam Zamoyski In the first week, the cancellation of flights from Bridget taught us how to make our own phase Prof. Lucas Van Rompay Europe due to the ash cloud from the volcano boxes and archival envelopes. This is a very Dr. Sebastian Brock eruption in Iceland meant that Professor Bas ter important skill to have in Egypt since archival Dr. Khalil Nougaim Haar Romney and Dr Mat Immerzeel could not boxes and envelopes are not available here. In Dr John Beale attend. But this obstacle paved the way for rare Luit’s workshops, we learned how to prepare an William Dalrymple opportunities to visit the conservation studios of exhibition by setting up our own virtual exhibition Christine Green selected Egyptian museums. Of the museums of Middle Eastern objects. In Mark’s workshop we visited, the new National Museum and Archives examined packaging materials and were taught Advisor was the highlight. Without a doubt, this place is an how to make paper nests in which to transport Father Bigoul, Curator of Deir al Surian institution of national pride and we were fortunate delicate pieces. to have been given a guided tour through its I have presented only the highlights of the Spring breathtaking interior. In the conservation studio Programme, since I would probably require Published by the Levantine Foundation there, the conservators generously shared their several more pages to mention everything 106 St George’s Square expertise and provided thorough information else. But as is evident from my humble report, London SW1V 3QY about the conservation techniques and materials the course was a tremendous success. As which they use to restore manuscripts. This was conservators, I believe it is important to fully All rights reserved. also the case at the Grand Egyptian Museum. understand every aspect of the manuscripts in The Levantine Foundation 2011 The lectures throughout the program were also our collections and know how to adequately care www.thelevantinefoundation.org great sources of learning. Professor Jan Just and preserve them for posterity. This second Email: [email protected] Witkam’s lectures about the history of codicology training programme has provided us with the Registered in England 4506398 and the architecture of the handwritten Middle knowledge to continue to do just that. I extend my Registered charity number 1094436 Eastern book were particularly informative. So sincere thanks to the Levantine Foundation for the Registered in the Arab Republic of Egypt too were Dr Luitgrad Hols’ lectures on how to invitation to attend the course, and I eagerly look under Law no.84 (2002) catalogue and make physical descriptions of forward to acquiring more skills and knowledge in manuscripts. Robert Child’s lectures taught us the coming programme. Design and artwork by Lodge Graphics about the importance of monitoring the museum Mother Antonia was one of a group of monks and environment in which manuscripts are stored, nuns attending the May 2010 training course. © The Levantine Foundation and contributors 2011 and how to minimise the causes and effects