Signs, Symbols . . . & Secrets—An Oxford Festival of the Arts Exhibition

Tudor rose in a New College manuscript

Discover some of the secrets—the signs, signatures, symbolism, and spectacle—of the astonishing rare books and manuscripts of New College, Oxford, one of Oxford University’s great collections.

 

New College Library’s collections of manuscripts and rare books are famous the world over, with the earliest manuscripts dating from the 9th century. More manuscripts survive from the medieval library of New College than from that of any other Oxford college, and New College’s holdings of incunabula and other rare books are likewise extraordinary.

Come and view beautiful and intriguing treasures from our collections, dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries, and let them render up their secrets to you . . . 
 

Entrance is free and open to allOxford Festival of the Arts

Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 12 midday–5 pm |
Lecture Room 6, Holywell Quad, New College Oxford


This exhibition is part of the Oxford Festival of the Arts 2026.