Stonyhurst Hours (Use of Sarum)

Art Historical Context

Step into the luminous world of medieval devotion with the *Stonyhurst Hours (Use of Sarum)*, a exquisite illuminated manuscript created by the Beaufort Saints Group around 1400–1410. This compact treasure, measuring just 20 × 14.5 × 5 cm, belongs to the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings collection. Crafted for personal prayer, Books of Hours like this one were cherished by England's medieval elite, blending spirituality with artistry in a portable format. Following the Use of Sarum—the dominant liturgy in southern England before the Reformation—this manuscript features fifteen vivid tempera miniatures on vellum, enhanced by pen work in colored inks and shimmering gilding. The Beaufort Saints Group, named for their characteristic depictions of saints, exemplifies the refined East Anglian style of late medieval illumination. Vellum, made from animal skin, provided a smooth, durable surface ideal for intricate details, while the tooled leather binding added a tactile elegance, signaling its status as a luxury object. Its survival offers a window into 15th-century piety and craftsmanship, where gold leaf caught candlelight during private devotions. A testament to anonymous mastery, the *Stonyhurst Hours* captures the era's fusion of faith, beauty, and bookmaking innovation.