Museums in the North East have received a financial boost ahead of the return of arguably the most important book ever to be produced in the North East.
Tyne and Wear Museums is being awarded a 'significant' grant from the North of Tyne Combined Authority in support of the upcoming Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery later this year.
The exhibition, which is hoped will bring more tourists to the region and create jobs, is the first time the Gospels has been shown in the North East since 2013, and the first time it has been in Newcastle since 2000.
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Long acclaimed as the most spectacular manuscript to survive from Anglo-Saxon England, the book produced on Holy Island is the oldest surviving English translation of the New Testament Bible stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and is usually kept at the British Library in London.
From September, The Gospels will feature in a contemporary, multi-sensory exhibition about its meaning in the world today and explore its relationship with themes of personal, regional and national identity.
There will also be a variety of public, community and school events across the North East, including one at Newcastle City Library: Libraries and the Lindisfarne Gospels: Sharing stories through the ages, exploring the way that people have shared stories from the 8th century, when the Gospels were created, until now.
Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: "We’re confident that the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition will benefit our region on many levels – boosting the local economy, directly creating jobs, working with local suppliers and the visitors it will bring to use services in the city and surrounding area. There will be a significant school and community programme for children and young people including within some of our most disadvantaged communities.
"Working with attractions across the region to co-ordinate the Inspired by Lindisfarne Gospels 2022 programme we are also helping to raise the profile of our region, as a vibrant and exciting place to visit."
Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: "There is huge excitement that the Lindisfarne Gospels will be returning home.
"They’re one of the world’s great works of art and they are from right here; when the North East was the kingdom of Northumbria and led the world in art, culture, and creativity.
"The Lindisfarne Gospels 2022 programme is seeking to engage 300,000 people in this regional celebration, a unique opportunity to showcase the best of our cultural offerings.
"This is not just about bringing visitors to the North of Tyne, which will be great for our economy. It’s about celebrating our region."
Coun Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council and North of Tyne Cabinet Member for Culture Creative and Rural, said: "The Lindisfarne Gospels are part of our inheritance. It will be a privilege to be their custodian and will give visitors and communities in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle something to look forward to in 2022.
"This funding will help us showcase our region, boosting our businesses, economy and tourism as we ensure a strong recovery from the pandemic."
The Gospels' return to the North East coincides with the opening of a new museum in Wooler which celebrates the Anglo-Saxon Golden Age - Ad Gefrin.
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be on display at the Laing Art Gallery from September 17 - December 3.
