Lindisfarne Gospels Exhibition at Laing Gallery Explores Historical Distance and Aura
Until early December, the Laing Gallery in Newcastle is showcasing the Lindisfarne Gospels, an eighth-century manuscript created by Bishop Eadfrith (715-720 AD). This exhibition signifies the Gospels' return to northeast England from the British Library. Visitors can view a film about Lindisfarne Abbey, alongside an Irish pocket gospel featuring sixteenth-century enhancements. Contemporary artists Mariele Neudecker, Markéta Luskačová, and Khadija Saye contribute works, including Neudecker's damaged Bible, Luskačová's photographs depicting religious life in the Eastern bloc, and Saye's self-portraits with West African religious artifacts. Additionally, a new film by Jeremy Deller narrates the Gospels' journey to Newcastle, highlighting their Insular art importance and historical context, which includes a Celtic cross fragment from Yarm.
Key facts
- The Lindisfarne Gospels were created by Bishop Eadfrith around 715-720 AD on Lindisfarne island off Northumberland.
- They are exhibited at the Laing Gallery in Newcastle until early December.
- Normally kept at the British Library in London, their display in Newcastle follows campaigns for relocation.
- The exhibition includes contemporary works by Mariele Neudecker, Markéta Luskačová, and Khadija Saye.
- A new film by Jeremy Deller shows the Gospels' animated journey to Newcastle.
- The Gospels are a key example of Insular or Hiberno-Saxon art with Germanic and Byzantine elements.
- They are linked to Saint Cuthbert and the founding of Durham.
- Walter Benjamin's concept of aura from 1935 is referenced to describe their unique authenticity.
Entities
Artists
- Bishop Eadfrith
- Saint Aidan
- Saint Cuthbert
- King Oswald of Northumbria
- Venerable Bede
- Mariele Neudecker
- Markéta Luskačová
- Khadija Saye
- Jeremy Deller
- Phil Collins
- Walter Benjamin
Institutions
- Laing Gallery
- British Library
- Lindisfarne monastery
- Monkwearmouth-Jarrow
- English Heritage
- Tyne & Wear Metro
- Greggs
- Dog & Parrot pub
- Grenfell
Locations
- Newcastle
- England
- Lindisfarne
- Northumberland
- London
- United Kingdom
- Durham
- Monkwearmouth-Jarrow
- Yarm
- Northumbria
- Britain
- Ireland
- Eastern bloc
- West Africa
- Manchester
- Ukraine