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Sobieski Hours

This facsimile reproduces the 234 leaves of the volume, including 60 full-page miniatures and over 400 richly decorated narrative scenes.

Creating the Sobieski Hours Facsimile

The production of a facsimile involves multiple stages, with a number of specialists working on each process. From photographing and measuring the original manuscript, to adding patina (signs of age) to a variety of gold and silver foils, and from hand-stitching the quires (fours sheets of paper folded to form eight leaves), to crafting and gilding the metal clasps for the case, this was a long and intricate production process.  

Below are a selection of images illustrating some of the stages and explaining them in more detail.

The facsimile can be seen displayed alongside the original manuscript in the Queen's Drawing Room at Windsor Castle from Saturday, 4 February until Friday, 24 March 2017.    


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.