See The Lindisfarne Gospels in Newcastle

Main image: Front cover of Lindisfarne Gospels c. 700 (Cotton MS Nero D IV) (c) British Library Board

Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery will be displaying one of the country’s most revered medieval treasures this month, as the spectacular Lindisfarne Gospels return to the city for the first time since 2000.
 

Created by a monk named Eadfrith, the Bishop of Lindisfarne Priory, on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne around 715AD, the manuscript contains the Gospels of Saints Mark, Luke, John and Matthew and was produced for ceremonial use, as is evident in its detailed ‘illumination’ (colourful illustration and borders). Representing the golden age of design and craftsmanship in Northumbria, the Anglo-Saxon manuscript (which weighs about the same as an adult badger, fact fans) has survived in almost perfect condition for over one thousand years.
 

The Gospels, on loan to Laing Art Gallery from 17th September-3rd December from the British Library, will form the centrepiece of an extraordinary exhibition which brings their value into a contemporary context as well as examining further ancient treasures in accompanying exhibits.

Mock image of digital installation for The Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition, courtesy of NOVAK

The exhibition aims to provide depth and context to the Gospels, and invites reflection on religion through the ages up to the modern day. Representing contemporary thought will be an immersive digital experience from Newcastle-based design studio NOVAK, whose work will be the first thing visitors encounter as they enter the gallery. Through the medium of light, visuals and sounds, the viewer is transported to medieval Lindisfarne, as they’re moved with the tides new elements will be revealed, taking the viewer from the birthplace of the Gospels to the farthest shores of the Mediterranean.
 

Adam Finlay, Studio Director at NOVAK, says: “NOVAK are thrilled to be working with the Laing to create an immersive installation as part of the exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels. The manuscript is such an amazing example of devotion, design and craftsmanship, which embodies the very rich and expansive history of the North East of England, but with connections far beyond the region. It is a great privilege to explore and interpret this fascinating story in a new and exciting way.” 
 

Medieval treasures from across Britain will go on display alongside the Gospels, which will be open at the Gospel of Saint John, chosen because the page is a particularly superb example of the decorative elements of the author’s vocabulary. Items which have both personal and collective religious significance in the 8th Century, from small items of devotion to other illuminated manuscripts, including that of the St Cuthbert Gospel which is the oldest intact European book, will shine a light on a time of great change in Britain, as Paganism gave way to Christianity.

Image: Rogart Brooch 'X.FC 2’, 8th century. Image © National Museums Scotland

Further insight can be gained as the wider context of how art and spirituality have changed over the years since the Gospel was created are explored in the third gallery; paintings, drawings and photographs look at how artists have chosen to represent religion within their work, from the Old Master religious works, to the Romantic painters whose work often focused on nature and contemporary artists who explore deeper questions of life.
 

The exhibition, which explores all faiths throughout history, will also see the debut of a brand new piece of work by Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller. Julie Milne, Chief Curator of Art Galleries, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: "The Lindisfarne Gospels are such an important part of our region’s history and heritage that it’s a privilege to be able to exhibit them and build an exhibition around them. We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Jeremy Deller and having his artistic input to help shape the exhibition experience.”

Image: Chi-rho page, Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 700 (Cotton MS Nero D IV) (c) British Library Board

In addition to the exhibition, a series of talks will also take place at the gallery. Of particular note, hear from NOVAK about their vision for their immersive installation (6th October); get a wider understanding of the role of the medieval monastery with Lindisfarne Nature Reserve warden John Woodhurst (20th October); go behind the scenes of the exhibition with the Laing’s curatorial team (11th and 24th November); and hear from the British Library’s head of medieval manuscripts, Dr Claire Breay (18th November).
 

The Lindisfarne Gospels are on display at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle from 17th September-3rd December. Tickets starting at £7 are available here.