These works of museum quality, from an anonymous collection (one of the most important currently in private hands), were exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2005. Many of the objects in the catalogue will be well known to those familiar with the specialist literature, though most will have been unaware of their whereabouts, and this catalogue will be of use to all those interested in medieval works of art and the history of collecting.

An introduction places the highlights of the collection in context. Paul Williamson is curator with responsibility for medieval sculpture at the Victoria and Albert Museum and is well known for his authoritative contributions to the study of medieval sculpture.