Time and Place

Exploring the intricate relationship between art and time, Time and Place highlights the beauty of calendars and almanacs throughout history.

This small book showcases the exquisite art that has, for centuries, contributed to the creation of almanacs and calendars. In Time and Place, Alexandra Harris explores how humanity has divided time into segments, revealing the traditions tied to each month that have influenced the artistic representation in calendars and almanacs. Through her insightful text, she illustrates the relationship between art and the perception of time throughout history.

Harris discusses the concept that dates are human inventions; nothing in the natural world dictates that today is indeed today. For millennia, people have segmented time, assigning names to these divisions that are recognized across cultures. This shared understanding of time is not only practical, facilitating communication and planning, but it also establishes a sense of truth by affirming the present moment. The evolution of calendars and almanacs has naturally incorporated the art of their respective eras, reflecting the culture and aesthetics of the time.

In Time and Place, readers will find a rich collection of artistic works from the eighth century onward, ranging from Benedictine calendars to Old Moore's Almanack. Harris invites us to appreciate how these beautiful pieces of art not only serve practical purposes but also embody the spirit of the times in which they were created, offering a glimpse into the intersection of art, culture, and the passage of time.