The Book of Kells, which contains the four gospels of the New Testament and was written around 800 CE, has been historically believed to have come from the island of Iona.
However, some scholars are now rethinking the manuscript’s origin with some suggesting that the historic text may have been made by the Picts in the village of Portmahomack.
Renowned early-medieval scholar, Dr Victoria Thompson Whitworth, will present her latest research into the links between the Highlands village and the Book of Kells at an event hosted by the Tarbat Discovery Centre.
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Dr Thompson Whitworth will be joined by master craftsman, Thomas Keyes, who is an expert in reproducing the techniques of medieval manuscript production on Thursday, January 30, at Edinburgh’s Augustine United Church.
Dr Thompson Whitworth aims to explore topics including if the Book of Kells is a Pictish manuscript and if the materials used to create the artefact are from the Tarbat Peninsula at the event.
In light of a number of academics and museum professionals questioning Iona as the origin of the Book of Kells, a medieval monastery in Scotland’s Tarbat peninsula is gaining researchers attention as a possible alternative.
Archaeological digs have discovered that monks at a monastery which was located at the site of St Colman’s Church in Portmahomack in the 8th century had the tools, techniques, and skills to make manuscripts.
Dr Thompson Whitworth believes that the monastery monks could well have produced the Book of Kells and that it could very well be connected to the Pictish world.
The lecture by Dr Thompson Whitworth is part of the Discovery Centre’s Stories on Skins project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Keyes is leading the project and has created four manuscript pages, currently on display at Portmahomack’s Discovery Centre, using the same materials and techniques that monks from the monastery used.
(Image: Thomas Keyes)
His artwork in the four manuscript pages are inspired by the Book of Kells and depicts Celtic legends and myths.
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”.
You can click here for more information and to book a ticket for the event.