Offaly’s Book of Durrow to be loaned to British Library for exhibition

A key 1,300-year-old manuscript believed to have been made in Durrow in Offaly is to be loaned to the British Library.

The Book of Durrow, one of the earliest surviving decorated Gospel books in Western Europe, will go on loan to the British Library for a landmark international exhibition of early medieval manuscripts and other objects, which opens next month.

The British Library exhibition ‘Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War’ will explore the riches of art, culture and ideas covering the six centuries of the Anglo-Saxon period up to the Norman Conquest. The Book of Durrow’s decoration contains parallels with Anglo-Saxon metalwork. It is one of Ireland’s most important manuscripts and a precursor to the Book of Kells.

The 1,300-year old book will join major manuscripts from around the world for the exhibition.

Trinity College Dublin has been custodian of the Book of Durrow for the nation since the 17th century. It is displayed in the Library in rotation with other precious manuscripts, such as the Book of Dimma, the Book of Mulling and the Book of Armagh.

A Columban monk illustrated the Book of Durrow and while it has been named after the Columban monastery in Durrow, Co Offaly, its exact origins are subject to much debate,  it could be Durrow, Iona in Scotland or possibly even Lindisfarne in Northumbria.

Coinciding with the British Library exhibition, the manuscript has been digitised and a new online exhibition has been developed by the Library of Trinity College Dublin showcasing the beautiful manuscript for the public, students and researchers anywhere in the world to study and learn more about it. 

This is the first time it has been made available in this way, with such universally accessible, high quality images.

 The Librarian and College Archivist at the Library of Trinity College Dublin, Helen Shenton said: “The Book of Durrow is at the heart of Ireland’s cultural heritage.

The manuscript’s exquisite ornamentation and history continues to inspire and enthral. Through this partnership with the British Library, people will be able to see it alongside major manuscripts from across Europe and the USA.