Cambridge UL Special Collections
@theulspeccoll.bsky.social
Cambridge University Library Special Collections, featuring our manuscripts, archives, maps, music, rare books, photographs, objects and more. https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/special-collections
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
💌 This beautiful Valentine was sent to Miss Ellen Epps in 1864.
Ellen (1850-1926) was a painter, who later married Sir Edmund William Gosse (1849-1928), poet and man of letters.
Images:
1-2. Valentine, 1864 (MS Add.7019/1).
4. Photograph of Ellen Epps (MS Add.7019/19).
Ellen (1850-1926) was a painter, who later married Sir Edmund William Gosse (1849-1928), poet and man of letters.
Images:
1-2. Valentine, 1864 (MS Add.7019/1).
4. Photograph of Ellen Epps (MS Add.7019/19).
February 14, 2026 at 10:07 AM
💌 This beautiful Valentine was sent to Miss Ellen Epps in 1864.
Ellen (1850-1926) was a painter, who later married Sir Edmund William Gosse (1849-1928), poet and man of letters.
Images:
1-2. Valentine, 1864 (MS Add.7019/1).
4. Photograph of Ellen Epps (MS Add.7019/19).
Ellen (1850-1926) was a painter, who later married Sir Edmund William Gosse (1849-1928), poet and man of letters.
Images:
1-2. Valentine, 1864 (MS Add.7019/1).
4. Photograph of Ellen Epps (MS Add.7019/19).
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Genizah Fragment (Or.1080 J23): a late 12th century love letter.
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
February 13, 2026 at 8:52 AM
Genizah Fragment (Or.1080 J23): a late 12th century love letter.
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
Perahya is in Cairo and misses his wife, Umm Thana: “Of late my yearning has become so strong that I am not able to bear it anymore." He invites her to join him, promising she can choose her own carpets. 🤔
https://loom.ly/h2W1pMI
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Fun task last thing on a Friday: recataloguing (because it had disappeared from the catalogue) Francis Bacon’s presentation copy to Cambridge University of his Works (London, 1623). In a contemporary binding of blue velvet embroidered with silver thread. @theulspeccoll.bsky.social Sel.2.84.
February 6, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Fun task last thing on a Friday: recataloguing (because it had disappeared from the catalogue) Francis Bacon’s presentation copy to Cambridge University of his Works (London, 1623). In a contemporary binding of blue velvet embroidered with silver thread. @theulspeccoll.bsky.social Sel.2.84.
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Woodcut of the dog & its reflection, from a Latin edition of Aesop’s fables, printed at Verona in 1479. This edition contains 66 woodcuts, possibly by Liberale da Verona. Bought by @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1870 & now Inc.4.B.19.2[2161].
February 10, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Woodcut of the dog & its reflection, from a Latin edition of Aesop’s fables, printed at Verona in 1479. This edition contains 66 woodcuts, possibly by Liberale da Verona. Bought by @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1870 & now Inc.4.B.19.2[2161].
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Can’t wait for it to be like this. Spring scene with insects, from ‘Brehms Tierleben’ (Leipzig, 1892). Waddleton.b.1.146 @theul.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Can’t wait for it to be like this. Spring scene with insects, from ‘Brehms Tierleben’ (Leipzig, 1892). Waddleton.b.1.146 @theul.bsky.social
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
#OnThisDay in 1555, John Rogers became the first of many Protestants burned at the stake during the reign of Mary I.
Born in 1500, Rogers was the editor of this English translation of the Bible published in 1537 under the pseudonym Thomas Matthew (BSS.201.B37.5).
Born in 1500, Rogers was the editor of this English translation of the Bible published in 1537 under the pseudonym Thomas Matthew (BSS.201.B37.5).
February 4, 2026 at 3:06 PM
#OnThisDay in 1555, John Rogers became the first of many Protestants burned at the stake during the reign of Mary I.
Born in 1500, Rogers was the editor of this English translation of the Bible published in 1537 under the pseudonym Thomas Matthew (BSS.201.B37.5).
Born in 1500, Rogers was the editor of this English translation of the Bible published in 1537 under the pseudonym Thomas Matthew (BSS.201.B37.5).
The Frankish monk Rabanus Maurus died #OTD in 856. His 'De laudibus sanctae crucis' (a series of poems on the cross) involves complex imagery, the letters within it making new texts. On the L is an 11thC manuscript copy made at Canterbury (Gg.5.35); on the R a printed edition from 1503 (Tb.51.57).
February 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
The Frankish monk Rabanus Maurus died #OTD in 856. His 'De laudibus sanctae crucis' (a series of poems on the cross) involves complex imagery, the letters within it making new texts. On the L is an 11thC manuscript copy made at Canterbury (Gg.5.35); on the R a printed edition from 1503 (Tb.51.57).
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Hand-coloured woodcut of a lover of truth (Philalethes) in discussion with Veritas, goddess of truth. From the Philalethes of Maffeo Vegio (1407-58), who studied at the University of Pavia. Printed at Nuremberg c. 1474-75, bought by @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1917 & now Inc.5.A.7.5[927].
January 28, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Hand-coloured woodcut of a lover of truth (Philalethes) in discussion with Veritas, goddess of truth. From the Philalethes of Maffeo Vegio (1407-58), who studied at the University of Pavia. Printed at Nuremberg c. 1474-75, bought by @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1917 & now Inc.5.A.7.5[927].
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Gorgeous manicule in this manuscript collection of works by Italian Humanist writers, including Bartolomeo Facio & Giannantonio de’Pandoni (known as Porcellius), written in Italy c. 1450-1500. Given to @theulspeccoll.bsky.social by Stephen Gaselee in 1919 & now MS Add. 6188.
January 29, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Gorgeous manicule in this manuscript collection of works by Italian Humanist writers, including Bartolomeo Facio & Giannantonio de’Pandoni (known as Porcellius), written in Italy c. 1450-1500. Given to @theulspeccoll.bsky.social by Stephen Gaselee in 1919 & now MS Add. 6188.
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
A hand-coloured woodcut of Salomon & Marcolf, from the popular Latin jest book recording their dialogues. Printed at Leipzig after 1488 & bought from @quaritch1847.bsky.social by @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1891. Now Inc.5.A.27.2[1067].
February 1, 2026 at 9:50 AM
A hand-coloured woodcut of Salomon & Marcolf, from the popular Latin jest book recording their dialogues. Printed at Leipzig after 1488 & bought from @quaritch1847.bsky.social by @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1891. Now Inc.5.A.27.2[1067].
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Woodcut of the raising of Lazarus, from ‘The myrrour of the blessyd lyf of Jhesu Cryste’, an English translation of Bonaventure’s ‘Meditationes Vitæ Christi’. Printed at London by Richard Pynson in 1494. Came to @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1715 and now Inc.4.J.3.6[3622].
February 4, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Woodcut of the raising of Lazarus, from ‘The myrrour of the blessyd lyf of Jhesu Cryste’, an English translation of Bonaventure’s ‘Meditationes Vitæ Christi’. Printed at London by Richard Pynson in 1494. Came to @theulspeccoll.bsky.social in 1715 and now Inc.4.J.3.6[3622].
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
🌐 Two upcoming events will share the findings of the AI for Cultural Heritage Hub (ArCH) project.
ArCH has created a prototype workspace designed to analyse cultural heritage data securely using AI tools.
To book: https://loom.ly/aykS0B4
Funded by @ai.cam.ac.uk
ArCH has created a prototype workspace designed to analyse cultural heritage data securely using AI tools.
To book: https://loom.ly/aykS0B4
Funded by @ai.cam.ac.uk
February 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM
🌐 Two upcoming events will share the findings of the AI for Cultural Heritage Hub (ArCH) project.
ArCH has created a prototype workspace designed to analyse cultural heritage data securely using AI tools.
To book: https://loom.ly/aykS0B4
Funded by @ai.cam.ac.uk
ArCH has created a prototype workspace designed to analyse cultural heritage data securely using AI tools.
To book: https://loom.ly/aykS0B4
Funded by @ai.cam.ac.uk
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Applications are open for the Munby Fellowship 2026-27 📚
An opportunity to spend a year conducting bibliographical research based on the world-class collections of Cambridge.
⏰Closing date: 1 Feb 2026
More information on applying: https://loom.ly/stSFkzg
An opportunity to spend a year conducting bibliographical research based on the world-class collections of Cambridge.
⏰Closing date: 1 Feb 2026
More information on applying: https://loom.ly/stSFkzg
January 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Applications are open for the Munby Fellowship 2026-27 📚
An opportunity to spend a year conducting bibliographical research based on the world-class collections of Cambridge.
⏰Closing date: 1 Feb 2026
More information on applying: https://loom.ly/stSFkzg
An opportunity to spend a year conducting bibliographical research based on the world-class collections of Cambridge.
⏰Closing date: 1 Feb 2026
More information on applying: https://loom.ly/stSFkzg
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Seventeenth-century squirrel, looks like it’s eating a little nut. On an embroidered binding from a 1641 psalter, SSS.34.27 @theul.bsky.social.
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
January 18, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Seventeenth-century squirrel, looks like it’s eating a little nut. On an embroidered binding from a 1641 psalter, SSS.34.27 @theul.bsky.social.
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Found in a volume of Latin poetry (Florence, 1497) @theulspeccoll.bsky.social today: the judge Sir Thomas Rokeby (d. 1699) pondering his end with 'the order to be observed in the disposall of the incomes of my estate'. The portrait, c. 1687, is by Godfried Schalcken. The book is Inc.5.B.8.20[2031].
January 19, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Found in a volume of Latin poetry (Florence, 1497) @theulspeccoll.bsky.social today: the judge Sir Thomas Rokeby (d. 1699) pondering his end with 'the order to be observed in the disposall of the incomes of my estate'. The portrait, c. 1687, is by Godfried Schalcken. The book is Inc.5.B.8.20[2031].
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Gasped out loud in the reading room the other day, finding the school reports of CUL Librarian Francis Jenkinson (1853-1923). His report aged 14 (1868) noted he 'should not acquire a habit of idleness now which he will find it hard to master hereafter'. @theulspeccoll.bsky.social Add. 7671/III/F/12.
January 16, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Gasped out loud in the reading room the other day, finding the school reports of CUL Librarian Francis Jenkinson (1853-1923). His report aged 14 (1868) noted he 'should not acquire a habit of idleness now which he will find it hard to master hereafter'. @theulspeccoll.bsky.social Add. 7671/III/F/12.
Due to an unplanned maintenance issue which requires further assessment, the University Library will not be open to readers today (16th January). You can check our Service Update page:
www.lib.cam.ac.uk/using-librar...
www.lib.cam.ac.uk/using-librar...
Library service updates
The University Library is closed today The University Library will not be open to readers today (16th January). This is due to a burst water pipe, which has now been safely contained. We are pleased
www.lib.cam.ac.uk
January 16, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Due to an unplanned maintenance issue which requires further assessment, the University Library will not be open to readers today (16th January). You can check our Service Update page:
www.lib.cam.ac.uk/using-librar...
www.lib.cam.ac.uk/using-librar...
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
The old Cambridge University Library. @theul.bsky.social
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
January 13, 2026 at 8:29 PM
The old Cambridge University Library. @theul.bsky.social
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
#AlphabetChallenge #WeekBforBooks 📷 #photography
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Cambridge University Librarian Francis Jenkinson (right) in his garden on Chaucer Road in June 1915. In the pot is an ‘Olearia insignis’ (a shrub native to New Zealand now known more commonly as ‘Pachystegia insignis’ or the Marlborough Rock Daisy). @theulspeccoll.bsky.social MS Add. 7671/III/F65.
January 13, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Cambridge University Librarian Francis Jenkinson (right) in his garden on Chaucer Road in June 1915. In the pot is an ‘Olearia insignis’ (a shrub native to New Zealand now known more commonly as ‘Pachystegia insignis’ or the Marlborough Rock Daisy). @theulspeccoll.bsky.social MS Add. 7671/III/F65.
Our precious #Shakespeare first folio of 1623 recently underwent some conservation treatment. Read all about it in our latest blog: specialcollections-blog.lib.cam.ac.uk?p=31272
January 13, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Our precious #Shakespeare first folio of 1623 recently underwent some conservation treatment. Read all about it in our latest blog: specialcollections-blog.lib.cam.ac.uk?p=31272
Painter John Singer Sargent was born on this day in 1856. In 1915 he painted this portrait of University Librarian Francis Jenkinson, to mark the 25th year of his librarianship. It hangs outside the present Librarian's office @theul.bsky.social.
January 12, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Painter John Singer Sargent was born on this day in 1856. In 1915 he painted this portrait of University Librarian Francis Jenkinson, to mark the 25th year of his librarianship. It hangs outside the present Librarian's office @theul.bsky.social.
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Call now open for Visiting Fellowships in our Natural History Humanities programme! Building long-term collaborations with early career researchers on Cambridge GLAM collections.
@camunivmuseums.bsky.social @theul.bsky.social @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social
www.ccc.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/...
@camunivmuseums.bsky.social @theul.bsky.social @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social
www.ccc.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/...
Natural History Humanities - Collections Connections Communities
www.ccc.cam.ac.uk
January 9, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Call now open for Visiting Fellowships in our Natural History Humanities programme! Building long-term collaborations with early career researchers on Cambridge GLAM collections.
@camunivmuseums.bsky.social @theul.bsky.social @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social
www.ccc.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/...
@camunivmuseums.bsky.social @theul.bsky.social @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social
www.ccc.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/...
Reposted by Cambridge UL Special Collections
Amazing collections, lovely people. Come and spend a year doing research @theul.bsky.social @theulspeccoll.bsky.social
Apply to be the 2026-7 Munby Fellow in bibliography and history of the book @theul.bsky.social
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPZ688/m...
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPZ688/m...
Munby Fellowship in Bibliography 2026 - 2027 at University of Cambridge
Searching for an academic job? Explore this Munby Fellowship in Bibliography 2026 - 2027 opening on jobs.ac.uk! Click to view more details and browse other academic jobs.
www.jobs.ac.uk
January 6, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Amazing collections, lovely people. Come and spend a year doing research @theul.bsky.social @theulspeccoll.bsky.social
The Adoration of the Magi, for #Epiphany. From a book of hours long thought to have been created in the early sixteenth century but now realised as the work of Victorian miniaturist Caleb Wing (d. 1875). Now CUL MS Add. 4126.
January 6, 2026 at 9:58 AM
The Adoration of the Magi, for #Epiphany. From a book of hours long thought to have been created in the early sixteenth century but now realised as the work of Victorian miniaturist Caleb Wing (d. 1875). Now CUL MS Add. 4126.