For proof that creative talent flourishes in the local community look no further than Illuminate!, an exhibition of decorated manuscripts in the café at the Michaelhouse Centre in Trinity Street, Cambridge.

On show are the 14 shortlisted entries for a competition organised by the University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas and Cambridgeshire Libraries. The aim is to draw attention to the treasure-trove of illuminated manuscripts in the collections of Cambridge University, the Colleges and the archives of Cambridgeshire County Council.

The theme of the competition, which was launched last October, is Illuminate! Days are where we live. The subtitle is a line from a poem called Days by Philip Larkin, chosen to encourage entrants to use their own lives as inspiration. There were two age categories for entrants – 11-17 years and 18 and over. More than 60 people submitted art work.

The subject matter chosen by shortlisted entrants ranges from the joys of puppy-ownership and cold school mornings waiting for an ancient Volvo “to splutter into life”, to an elegy to “things in life that I love” (complete with recipe for chocolate brownies) and a charming to-do list for an unspecified Wednesday.

Jo McPhee, Festivals and Outreach Officer for the University’s Community Affairs team, said: “We were really thrilled by the response. It was a treat to see all the funny details people put in and learn about their different daily lives. We hope to be running another competition linked to the next Festival of Ideas in October.”

The winners will be presented with their prizes on Friday 27 March by Dr Christopher de Hamel, Donnelley Fellow Librarian of Corpus Christi College and an international expert on illuminated manuscripts.

Michaelhouse Café is open 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. The exhibition closes on Saturday 28 March.

To see the shortlisted entries online go to www.festivalofideas.org and click on Illuminate Competition on the side bar.
 

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