The First Handwritten & Illuminated Bible in Over 500 Years is in Tacoma
Opening this weekend at the Tacoma Art Museum is the new exhibit, Illuminating the Word: The Saint John’s Bible.
This is the only handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned in over 500 years — since the advent of the printing press, and was created in the tradition of medieval handwritten manuscripts.
The calligraphy was done with goose-feather quills writing on vellum sheets created from calf skin. The painting was done with hand ground minerals and stones, and included silver, copper, and gold. To the extent that it was possible, the Bible was created with material and processes that replicate the way it would have been done during medieval times.
Theologians and consultants from a variety of faith helped to direct the interpretation of the scripture through illustrations, and you’ll find imagery represent Eastern and Western religious traditions, along with influence from Native American culture.
Only a portion of the Bible will be on display, as it is still a work in progress. The entire project is not expected to be completed for another year. When complete, it will consist of seven 1,150 pages bound in seven volumes, each volume approximately two feet tall and three feet wide. It will be permanently housed at Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
An interesting Washington connection to this exhibit is the work of Suzanne Moore, a Vashon Island artist. She was one of three American artists who work on the project. Two of her illuminated pages will be on display.
Location: 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma (map it)
Dates & Times: July 12th – September 7th, 2008. Tuesday – Saturday 10 am-5 pm, with third Thursday of each month open till 8 pm; Sunday noon-5 pm. Closed on Mondays, except for holidays.
Admission: Adults $7.50; Students, Military, and Seniors (65+) $6.50; Children 5 and under FREE. Family plan $25 (two adults and up to four children under 18). Third Thursday of each month are FREE.
Image credit: Used with permission of Tacoma Art Museum
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