About The Design

Home to the oldest university in Europe, Bologna, Italy was the center of manuscript production south of the Alps and revolutionized the medieval book trade during the Middle Ages, as it created a flourishing artistic culture supported by a large population of sophisticated readers. Medieval Bologna: Art of a University City offered a unique challenge to create a comprehensive set of materials for the Frist Gala, inspired by the extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts featured in the exhibition. From the decorative borders inspired by exhibited manuscripts to a coat of arms emblematic of the Frist Museum, the print materials are hand-illustrated to deliberately infuse the tone and style of all materials with the richness and historical resonance found in these artifacts. This approach sought to integrate the thematic elements of the exhibition into the design materials, creating a cohesive and evocative ambiance for the event.