News

Volunteers sought to help celebrate Durham’s Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition

(8 January 2013)

©The British Library Board

Volunteers are being sought for a new project to help celebrate the exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels in Durham this summer.

On July 1, this precious manuscript will go on show in a must-see exhibition in Durham University’s Palace Green Library.

Lindisfarne Gospels Durham will tell the fascinating story of the North’s most famous saint, Cuthbert, and one of the world’s greatest books. The exhibition will also be the focus of a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Museums across the North East will be staging Lindisfarne Gospels-inspired events and activities throughout 2013 and would welcome the help and support of their local communities. 

A new project – Lindisfarne Gospels and Beyond: Learning Across the Region – is looking to recruit volunteers from across the North East to work with their local museums on Lindisfarne Gospels-related activities.

Sarah Price, Head of Durham University’s Heritage Collections Education Team, is leading the Lindisfarne Gospels and Beyond project. She said: “This is a great opportunity for people to really see what their local museum does and become a part of this huge regional celebration.

“The Lindisfarne Gospels are such a significant part of North East history, and museums across the region would welcome volunteers to make their planned activities and events extra special.”

Dr Price said all that was required of volunteers was enthusiasm, as full training would be given about the history of the Lindisfarne Gospels, as well as communication skills and more. Travelling expenses would also be covered for this training.

Housed in new world-class facilities, in the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the exhibition, – which will run from July 1 until September 30, 2013 – will explain exactly how and why this masterpiece was created. Visitors will be able to see some of Britain’s most significant medieval manuscripts displayed alongside stunning Anglo-Saxon treasures drawn from national collections, as well as those of Durham Cathedral and Durham University. The exhibition will offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to view a selection of St Cuthbert’s treasures, including his jewelled cross, sapphire ring and travelling altar, alongside the book that was written in his honour.

Lindisfarne Gospels Durham is part of a partnership between Durham University, Durham Cathedral, Durham County Council and the British Library. The Lindisfarne Gospels and the St Cuthbert Gospel, Europe’s oldest surviving bound book will be on loan from the British Library.

Anyone wishing to join their local museum and become an integral part of the Lindisfarne Gospels celebration in 2013 should submit a CV to 4schools@dur.ac.uk for the attention of Kirsty McCarrison (Project Officer), by January 21.

Details will then be forwarded to their closest participating museum and successful applicants contacted by the beginning of February.

More information about the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition can be found at www.lindisfarnegospels.com. People are urged to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive updates on the exhibition and to find out when tickets go on sale