Lindisfarne Gospels 2022

The Lindisfarne Gospels is on display at Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery until 3 December 2022, on loan from the British Library.

This is the first time the ancient book, the most spectacular manuscript to survive from Anglo-Saxon England, has been displayed in the city since 2000 and its first showing in the region since an exhibition in Durham in 2013.

The Lindisfarne Gospels features in an exhibition about its meaning in the world today, exploring its relationship with themes of personal, regional, and national identity. 

Throughout 2022 attractions across the North East are hosting events inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels in celebration of its display at the Laing Art Gallery. These events are listed below.

Sing United: Soundtrack to the North

The Crossing, Durham Cathedral
Saturday 7 January, 1.30pm. Normal admission applies.

The North East of England has a rich musical heritage, and Sing United will bring together a collection of material that is our Soundtrack To The North, including a world exclusive!
 
Featuring everything from Geordie folk music from the 1800s, Mark Knopfler's iconic anthem 'Local Hero', a medley of songs by Lighthouse Family and also an exclusive arrangement of music from Mark Deeks' Arð project (the old Northumbrian word for "native land") that tells the tale of the journey of St Cuthbert's bones from Holy Island to Durham Cathedral.

Ad Gefrin – new Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery
Wooler, Northumberland 
Opens February 2023

Ad Gefrin is a £12m Anglo-Saxon Museum and whisky distillery opening in February 2023 in Wooler, Northumberland, that will celebrate and showcase the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, and contemporary crafts, arts, and produce of Northumbria. It will reveal the fascinating history and culture of Northumbria's Anglo-Saxon ‘Golden Age’ that ultimately spawned the Lindisfarne Gospels. It is informed by one of the 20th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds - the internationally renowned archaeological site at nearby Yeavering (now under the ownership and management of The Gefrin Trust). The Visitor Experience will recreate the Great Hall of the summer palace of the 7th century Northumbrian kings and queens, in the times of King Edwin and King Oswald, and showcase treasures of the period through the stories of the people that populated the royal court. Ad Gefrin will also be home to the first Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky using Northumberland’s outstanding barley, and water from the Cheviot Hills. The Experience will include a bistro, bar, shop, tailored tours, and tastings.

Ad Gefrin is the headline sponsor of the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery. 

More info: adgefrin.co.uk 

Libraries and the Lindisfarne Gospels: Sharing stories through the ages  
Newcastle City Library
17 September to 31 January 2023

The exhibition explores how we have shared stories since the time of the Lindisfarne Gospels, featuring items from our own collections and items borrowed from the British Library and Seven Stories. The exhibition also features two new original artworks by local participatory artist and designer, Emma Tominey. These have been created with community groups throughout the North East, inspired by the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region. These works will be added to our Local Studies Collection to be preserved for future generations.