The world famous Lindisfarne Gospels returned to the region in a special exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery from 6th October 2000 to 7th January 2001.

The Gospels were on display at the Laing Art Gallery

They represent Northumbria’s
golden age of
Anglo-Saxon design in the 7th & early 8th century. They have survived for over one thousand years in almost perfect condition.

It took nearly two years of negotiations, planning, organisation and effort to bring the gospels to the region.

The British Library Board finally agreed to release the manuscript, to help celebrate the Millennium year in the North East.

On the first day of the exhibition almost 3000 people came along to see the gospels. His Royal Highness the Duke of York also dropped in to the Laing Art Gallery on October 6th to view the national treasure.

The Gospels are kept under closely monitored conditions

The gospels were displayed in low light levels to preserve the delicate colours of the manuscript which is now about 1300 years old. Precautions were taken to ensure that the temperature and humidity were kept constant.

The book was shown on a specially made stand so the spine and pages were not stressed when on display. Special security measures were also in place and only the British Library staff were allowed to handle the pages when they were turned.

The pages of the Lindisfarne Gospels were turned four times showing the following pages St Jerome’s letter to Pope Damasus St Matthew’s Gospel St Mark’s Gospel St Luke’s Gospel St John’s Gospel

However visitors can glance through the gospels using an electronic virtual edition. There’s also an extensive display on the history and making of the them.

The exhibition ended on
7 January 2001, the Lindisfarne Gospels then returned to the British Library, where they are on permanent display. But their journey north has heightened the debate on whether they should be returned permanently to the region.

Find out more about the Lindisfarne Gospels at the Laing Art Gallery on the website www.thenortheast.com/museums /laing.htm

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