Matthew the Evangelist from the Lindisfarne Gospels (715-720) - Public Domain Illuminated Manuscript

The Lindisfarne Gospels is an illuminated manuscript gospel book probably produced around the years 715–720 in the monastery at Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumberland, England^[2]. It contains the Gospels of the four Evangelists Mark, John, Luke, and Matthew^[2]. The manuscript was produced in a scriptorium in the monastery of Lindisfarne and took approximately 10 years to create^[2]. It is a spectacular example of Insular or Hiberno-Saxon art—works produced in the British Isles between 500–900 C.E., a time of devastating invasions and cultural change^[3].

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^[5]. 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^[5]. Ad Gefrin is also sponsoring this exhibition and will be opening a £12m Anglo-Saxon Museum and whisky distillery in February 2023 to celebrate and showcase its unique heritage^[5].

The Lindisfarne Gospels is known for its intricate artwork which includes blue pin-wheeled shapes that rotate in repetitive circles caught in a vortex of a large Q that forms Luke’s opening sentence as well as birds that abound throughout its pages^[3][4]. It also features symbols for each evangelist such as an ox for Christ's sacrifice on the cross according to historian Bede from Monkwearmouth^[3].