News

The 1,200 year old pages (known as folios) in the Book of Kells have been turned to reveal a striking new display. Visitors to the Old Library can now get a close up view of the richly decorated illustrations and dramatic symbolism in Temptation of Jesus (folio 202v). The episode is described later in the […]

This year, the Book of Kells Creative Competition invites contestants to share art and writing that evoke the beautiful colours featured in the Book of Kells, the 9th century masterpiece renowned for its rich, colourful symbolism. Let’s learn more about the animal symbolism behind the famous book: The Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library […]

The Book of Kells is so exquisitely painted that for centuries people have wondered about the source of its vibrant and varied colour palette. Alongside the indigo and azure blue we talked about in our last blog, the colours white, purple and pink also feature heavily in the famous book.  Today, people often consider the […]

We wish to advise you that the Book of Kells and Old Library Exhibition will close from 19 September 2020 in response to government advice on limiting the spread of COVID 19. While our team was truly excited to welcome the public once again following lockdown, the welfare of our visitors, students and colleagues remains […]

Paintings in manuscripts, protected for centuries in bound volumes, are the best-preserved examples of how medieval colours were used. The Book of Kells is one such example, its pages featuring intricate illuminations in shades of blue, white, red, pink, green and yellow. One of the book’s most prominent colours is blue, which features on nearly […]

We wish to advise you that the Book of Kells and Old Library Exhibition will remain closed until further notice in response to government advice concerning the current Coronavirus (COVID 19) health emergency. At the heart of this decision is the welfare of our visitors, students and staff. Our thoughts are with you, family and […]

As part of ongoing conservation and preservation plans for the Old Library, the Book of Kells will be removed from public display from November 2019 to early March 2020. Housed within the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin, the display area for the precious 9th century precious manuscript is undergoing necessary works which will require […]

It is believed that 3 artists created the Book of Kells and art historians and archaeologists have identified them as the ‘Portrait Painter’, the ‘Illustrator’ and the ‘Goldsmith’. The Portrait Painter was responsible for stunning portraits of Christ, Matthew and John. In folio 32v, seated on a low-backed throne, Christ holds a red-covered Gospel book. […]

The Book of Kells Creative Competition is all about re-imagining Ireland’s medieval masterpiece. Our judges are looking for modern and innovative interpretations of the Book of Kells and entrants are invited to let their imagination run riot! One of last year’s Primary School Art winners, Violet McGrath, was inspired by the illustrations of cats that […]