Excitement is building as one of the most revered books in UK history is set to return to the North East on September 17.
The Lindisfarne Gospels are on display in the North East for the first time since 2013, and the first time in Newcastle since 2000. The manuscript, which was produced on Holy Island in Northumberland, has survived in almost perfect condition for more than 1,000 years and represents the golden age of design and craftsmanship of our region.
Here's everything you need to know about the Lindisfarne Gospels return to the region, including when and where the great book will be on display, how much tickets cost, and what events are accompanying the book's return.
Read more: Lindisfarne Gospels to return home to North East for exhibition in Newcastle
What is the Lindisfarne Gospels?
The Lindisfarne Gospels is a copy of the four Gospels which tell the story of Jesus Christ, as well as associated texts and illustrations. The book was produced in the 8th century and is the oldest readable English translation of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
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Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, said: "The Lindisfarne Gospels has long been acclaimed as the most spectacular manuscript to survive from Anglo-Saxon England. It is a copy of the four Gospels, the biblical books recounting the life of Christ, along with the associated texts that typically form part of Gospel-books, such as chapter lists and letters written by St Jerome (d. 420)."
"The copying and decoration of the Lindisfarne Gospels represent an outstanding artistic achievement. The book includes five highly elaborate full-page carpet pages, so-called because of their resemblance to carpets from the eastern Mediterranean.
"The Lindisfarne Gospels is also celebrated for the intricately decorated words that open each Gospel, and the portraits of the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."
Where can I see the Lindisfarne Gospels?
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be on display at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne. It is usually displayed in the British Library in London, where it is on loan from.
When will the Lindisfarne Gospels be in the North East?
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be on display from September 17 to December 3 2022. The last time the sacred text was shown in the region was at Durham Cathedral in 2013, with around 100,000 people visiting, while the last time it was displayed in Newcastle was 2000.
Do I need tickets to see the Lindisfarne Gospels?
Entrance to the Laing Art Gallery is free, but you'll need a paid ticket to get access to the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition. Tickets are for 30 minutes of admissions and the ticket is valid for 90 minutes from the time you enter the exhibition.
At peak times, full price adult tickets are £12 while concessions are £10. Off peak, adult tickets are £9 and concessions £7.
Tickets are available for purchase at the venue, however, availability can't be guaranteed and queues are expected. To find out more about ticketing, visit the Laing Art Gallery website.
What else is happening to celebrate the Lindisfarne Gospels' return to the region?
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be accompanied by an exhibition about its meaning in the world today and exploring its relationship with themes of personal, regional and national identity in the Laing Art Gallery itself. The exhibition includes an immersive digital experience and includes a selection of early medieval treasures brought together from across the UK, while there is a new film by Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller.
There is a programme of events throughout the North East to accompany the Gospels' time in the region with events in Durham, Northumberland, Sunderland and South Tyneside, and of course at the place the books were produced: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. There are too many events to list in this article but highlights include CODEX: Inspired by Lindisfarne Gospels 2022 which will take place at various locations across the region, an illuminated sheep trail in Northumberland, and the Festival of Flame at Hexham Abbey.
You can find out more information about events accompanying the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition here.
Are you planning to visit the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition or any of the accompanying events? Let us know!
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