The Clifford Collection

The private library of the Cliffords, an old English family was purchased by the Library in 1963. The Clifford Collection consists of 10 000 books, 1500 pamphlets, and a small but significant selection of manuscripts.

Among the many wonderful treasures in the Collection is the Chertsey Cartulary, a 1529 illustrated edition of Virgil Opera Virginiana, a fifteenth-century Book of Hours, and a 1557 edition of the works of Sir Thomas More.

As a gesture of good will towards the National Library, Colonel Clifford donated a 1511 Albrecht Durer work, The Great Passion.

Although the Library had successfully bought the Collection, the British Museum raised objections to the valuable manuscript the Chertsey Cartulary leaving the country, arguing that British heritage should remain in Britain. In 1964 the Library was granted an export licence for all but the Chertsey Cartulary. 

In a letter to Colonel Clifford, Harold White explained Australia’s claim to the manuscript:

I have always felt that the transfer of great family collections from Britain to another British country continues an historical tradition and scholarly standard and sustains an ethos of community of peoples whose origins are basically British.

In an argument proposed to the British Government the Library went even further:

The Medieval history of England is a common heritage of both Britain and Australia.

While the Chersey Cartulary belonged to the Library, it remained in the strong room of Australia House in London for 12 years. Finally, in 1975 the Library was granted a licence and the manuscript was brought to Canberra.

Unknown Artist
Mary and John at the foot of the Cross (68v.)
Book of Hours circa 1450, Flemish Illuminated Manuscript
vellum; 19.5 x 14 cm
Clifford Collection MS 1097/9

Unknown Artist
John the Baptist (15r.)
Book of Hours circa 1450, Flemish Illuminated Manuscript
vellum; 19.5 x 14 cm
Clifford Collection MS 1097/9

Unknown Artist
Martyrdom of Thomas of Canterbury (16r.)
Book of Hours circa 1450, France Illuminated Manuscript
vellum; 19.5 x 14 cm
Clifford Collection MS 1097/9

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