Was the Book of Kells actually made in Portmahomack - scholar aims to lift the lid
Renowned early-medieval scholar Dr Victoria Thompson Whitworth will present her latest research into the connections between Portmahomack and the Book of Kells, one of the most significant manuscripts in Christendom, in an event hosted by Tarbat Discovery Centre this Saturday (September 7).
The Book of Kells, on display at Trinity College in Dublin, contains the four gospels of the New Testament and was written around 800 A.D.
Dr Thompson Whitworth will explore questions such as where was the Book of Kells written? Iona is often cited as its birthplace - but is it possible that the Book of Kells was written in Portmahomack?
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She questions whether there are materials used in the Book of Kells from the Tarbat peninsula?
An increasing number of academics and museum professionals are questioning the accepted narrative of Iona as the place where the Book of Kells was made – and the monastery that was at the site where the Tarbat Discovery Centre now stands has been suggested as a possible alternative location.
The lecture is part of the Discovery Centre’s Stories on Skins project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Tickets for the event in Portmahomack’s Carnegie Hall are free, but they are going fast, say organisers. To reserve yours, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tarbatdiscoverycentre/1354739
Master craftsman Thomas Keyes leads Stories on Skins and has made four manuscript pages, currently on display at Portmahomack’s Discovery Centre, ‘the Tarbat way’, using the same materials and techniques that monks used in the 7th and 8th century monastery at Tarbat.
The design of each manuscript page is inspired by the Book of Kells, and each depicts Celtic legends or myths.
Thomas Keyes will join Dr Thompson Whitworth at the event for a conversation on their individual research and artistic practice that has helped us to understand medieval manuscript making and new evidence around the origins of the Book of Kells.
Ellen Marks, trustee of the Tarbat Historic Trust and designated trustee for the Stories on Skins project, said: “What an exciting opportunity, bringing together two noted authorities to share their expertise and enrich our understanding of the debate regarding the origin of the Book of Kells—and the place of eastern Scotland in that history.”
Every attendee at the event will be entered into a prize draw to win a magnificent giclée print from Stories on Skins, donated by Thomas Keyes.
For more information about the Tarbat Discovery Centre and the Stories on Skins project, visit the museum’s website https://www.tarbat-discovery.co.uk/ and follow the Centre on Facebook and Instagram.
The event is free of charge thanks to National Lottery players and the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
