~Exhibition Opportunity~Medieval marginalia- illustrations or notations in the margins of manuscripts. We will be exploring the fascinating and insightful world of the drawings and writings created in the margins of old manuscripts by monks, nuns and scholars. These varied from the highly decorative to the humorous; think animals playing musical instruments.

We are looking for artists, in a variety of mediums, to display in the historical Hamilton Vault Studios between 21st August and 28th August 2025 for a group exhibition. 

Hamilton Vault Studios is a space unlike any other where history meets creativity.

The exhibition venue itself is a former bank vault and has held exhibitions by studio members, hosted as part of the Liverpool Independents Biennial and is often used as a backdrop for film and TV projects.

A stone's throw from Hamilton Square train station, the gallery and studio space is part of the historic Georgian Hamilton Square which attracts art trail lovers, tourists and locals enjoying the green space. 

Taking inspiration from examples of mariginalia, you are invited to recreate these historical doodles, put a modern spin on them or come up with original designs. Below are some sources to take a look at:

https://blogs.bl.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/index.html

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/medieval-marginalia-books-doodles

https://justhistoryposts.com/2018/03/29/medieval-marginalia-at-it-like-rabbits/

A quick google image search will also bring up many bizarre, rude and funny results so feel free to go down that rabbit hole. 

The walls of HVS will be transformed into large scale pages for the work to be displayed in all their wonderful illumination. 

Deadline is Monday, 11th August. 

This exhibition offers a chance for artists to sell their work, though this is not guaranteed. The gallery takes no commission on items sold. 

We plan to host a private viewing on the 21st August from 6 pm-8 pm, which we would love featured artists to attend.

It will be an opportunity to have a first look at the show and also offer artists an opportunity to network and let the general public enquire about purchasing works.

Although there will be no professional photographer at the event, we actively do encourage all those participating to document their work with photography and the use of social media. 

Promotion will come in listing the exhibition and PV on various platforms throughout the city, i.e Art in Liverpool printed newspaper, and we will run digitally based ads and social media posts.

Moreover, a press release will be created in the lead up to the show with artist spotlights. 

Any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us
: )