David Plummer

Dr Karin Scheper’s detailed drawing reveals the structure and terminology of a traditional Islamic manuscript slipcase. Featured in our paper on Islamic slipcases in Suave Mechanicals Vol. 8, it supports accurate documentation and conservation practice.

Working on a South Asian Islamic manuscript at Qatar National Library.

A thoughtful look at veiling in manuscript practice—less concealment, more about framing how images are encountered. medingen.seh.ox.ac.uk/index.php/2026…

The silk examples in this blog are very beautiful- in Aceh and West Sumatra plain white cotton manuscript 'envelope' bags have also been found - this is from @britishlibrary Or 16764

Islamic manuscript bags are rarely studied—but they hold key evidence for how books were used, valued, and preserved. From embroidered silk to handwoven wool, these enclosures reveal a hidden layer of manuscript culture. Read more qnl.qa/en/blogs/14390

Looking back to 2023: three days spent at @craifonsantic with conservators and librarians studying Eastern Mediterranean bindings. Many thanks to Giorgos Boudalis for delivering such an engaging course with @Ligatus_UAL.

I adapted Mamluk doublures to strengthen the attachment of a 17th-century Islamic manuscript from the Franciscan Archives in Valletta. This project was sponsored by @barakat_org. Read more in my latest blog icon.org.uk/resource/islam…

I am pleased that my essay, which I wrote in collaboration with Paul Hepworth and @karinscheper, is featured in Suave Mechanicals: Essays on the History of Bookbinding, Volume 8. 'Between Bag and Box: Characteristics and Conservation Issues of the Islamic Slipcase'.

Click the link to read my blog post, 'Islamicate manuscripts in a Christian monastery (Part 1)' @IconBook_Paper @Barakat_org icon.org.uk/resource/islam…

I will be presenting my research on Islamic slipcases (Berlin Wetzstein I 78) for the Frederick Bearman Research Grant @RAS_Soc on the 11th December. The lecture will be followed by a festive drinks reception🎄eventbrite.co.uk/e/fred-bearman… @IconBook_Paper