Armenian books go on display in British Library

London’s British Museum hosted on Thursday an exhibition of Armenian handwritten and printed books.

The event, organized by the Armenian Embassy in London, was dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the Armenian printing art and the 20th anniversary of the British-Armenian diplomatic relations, as well as the declaration of Yerevan as the 2012 World Book Capital.0

According to a press release by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, the best samples of the Armenian manuscript and print literature were showcased at the Library’s Treasury Hall.

Armenian Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan had left for London to attend the solemn opening of the exhibition. The event had also brought together representatives of the Foreign Ministry, the London diplomatic corps and students.

The Library’s Director for Scholarship and Collection, Caroline Brazier, welcomed the participants at the beginning. Conservative MP John Wittingdale, who chairs a culture committee at the British House of Commons, later delivered a speech.

Thanking the organizers, Armenian Ambassador to UK Karine Ghazaryan briefed the guests on the history of the Armenian book and printing art. A special gratitude was extended to Bedo Yeghiayan, CEO at Wigmore Medical, who sponsored the event.

The exhibition will run through January 31.