Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition brings more than 50,000…

Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition brings more than 50,000 visitors to the Laing Art Gallery

More than 55,000 visits were made to the Laing Art Gallery during the 11-week run of the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition taking place between September and December.

In total, 56,663 people visited the gallery, 23% of which were first timers, to see arguably the most spectacular surviving manuscript from early medieval Britain showcased alongside work from the Turner-Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller. It was the first time that the book had been on display in Newcastle since 2000, and its first time back in the North East since it was displayed in Durham Cathedral in 2013.

The exhibition aimed to explore the meaning to the Gospels in a 21st century context, exploring its relationship with themes of personal, regional and national identity. Alongside the gallery exhibition, a schools programme was launched with pupils from across the North East visiting the exhibition, as well as the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle City Library and Newcastle Cathedral.

There were also community events including artist-led workshops held in libraries and community setting across the region. These included two displays responding to the Lindisfarne Gospels; named These are our Treasures curated in partnership with artist Ruth Ewan and on display at the Laing until February 2023; and an exhibition at Newcastle City Library named Sharing Stories through the Ages.

A year-long series of cultural events inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels' return is coming to a close as the book returns to the British Library in London. One of the most notable was Illuminated Sheep, a visual arts trail which lit up several well-known Northumberland attractions including Bamburgh Castle and Vindolanda.

Julie Milne, Chief Curator of Art Galleries, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, said: "The response to the exhibition has been fantastic and it has been wonderful to have the Laing buzzing with visitors and activity. I’m particularly proud of the community programme we delivered in partnership with Newcastle Library and Ruth Ewan and the schools’ programme for children and young people.

"It was always an ambition of the programme that we give as many people of all ages and backgrounds as possible the opportunity to interact with this rare, precious artefact, which is such an important part of our region’s history and heritage. We’re very grateful for the support from the British Library to host the Lindisfarne Gospels and to all our funders and partners – it was wonderful to exhibit it in the North East where it was created 1300 years ago.

Jamie Driscoll, Mayor for the North Tyne, said: "Looking upon this magnificent manuscript, I felt moved by its beauty, the stories radiating off it. This artefact recalls a time when we were the spiritual, philosophical, and intellectual powerhouse of Britain. I was proud to see it come home, to the North East."

However, the celebration of Anglo Saxon North East doesn't end just because the Gospels is returning to The British Library. Ad Gefrin, a multi-million pound visitor experience set to open in Wooler in spring 2023, sponsored the Gospels' return and is bringing more treasures of the time to the region, including a replica of Frank's Casket and the Castle Eden Claw Beaker.

Dr Chris Ferguson, Director of Experience at Ad Gefrin, said: "The Lindisfarne Gospels are a lasting legacy of the creativity and artworks from a time when North Northumberland was at the centre of European Culture. A period that the Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum will bring to life through the lives of those that populated it, in a permanent celebration of Northumbria’s Golden Age and the royal palace of Yeavering."

Did you visit the Lindisfarne Gospels at the Laing Art Gallery? Let us know!

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