In a specially-prepared space upstairs at Laing Art Gallery, The Lindisfarne Gospels - classed as one of the world's greatest treasures - awaits the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors.
The famous ancient book is now on display in Newcastle for the first time in 22 years, forming the heart of a three-room exhibition which opens this weekend. It's here on loan from the British Library and the logistics of bringing the ancient illustrated manuscript north - back to the region it was created - were hugely complex, with talks about the possibility starting before Brexit and work ongoing over the past two years.
Having arrived under high security at the Laing - with its transportation; exact time of Monday's arrival and unpacking procedure kept secret even from gallery staff - it is housed in a glass case, where it has been opened to view at pages introducing the Gospel of St John, and is set to attract hordes of visitors who have been snapping up tickets for the exhibition's 11-week run which starts on Saturday.
-copy-29e15046.jpeg?w=600)
