AN EXHIBITION celebrating one of the world’s most important books opened in Stockton today (Tuesday, April 1).

Retraced: St Cuthbert’s Final Journey captures the route of the Lindisfarne Gospels through work by award-winning photographer Paul Alexander Knox and acclaimed writer Richard W Hardwick.

Their exhibition will tour the North-East, stopping off at the towns and cities the Saint Cuthbert community crossed as they travelled to find a safe place for the illuminated manuscript during Viking raids.

It will be displayed in Stockton Central Library from Tuesday, April 1 until Wednesday, April 30.

The artists developed the exhibition after retracing the original route taken by ninth century monks after fleeing the Vikings with Saint Cuthbert’s body and the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Lindisfarne Gospels has a rich history dating back to the early centuries so it is particularly interesting to learn more about the journey of this beautiful book in Stockton and hear all about the artists’ own journey to capture this historic event.”

Mr Knox and Mr Hardwick will also visit the library later in the month to deliver a set of accompanying workshops and lectures about their journey and pieces of work.

Visitors can hear first-hand accounts from the two artists during a special talk on Wednesday, April 23, when they will share their experiences. The talk will be held in Jim Cooke Conference Suite inside Stockton Central Library, from 10.30am to 12 noon. For further information and to book a place, contact Stockton Central Library on 01642-526521.