MORE than 30,000 people from 22 countries across the globe have seen the Lindisfarne Gospels in their first month back in Durham, organisers have revealed.
The much-anticipated exhibition of the priceless medieval treasures opened in Durham University’s Palace Green Library a month ago today (Thursday, August 1) and Keith Bartlett, director of the Lindisfarne Gospels Durham programme, said he was delighted with the first month of the three-month display.
More than 48,000 tickets have been sold, more than 1,000 people have left overwhelmingly positive comments in the visitor book, businesses have reported a 25 per cent increase in trade and there have been many related events.
Dr Bartlett said: “We are delighted by the universally positive feedback and there are over 1,000 comments in the visitor book with the words wonderful, excellent, fantastic, interesting and amazing appearing most frequently.
“Tens of thousands more have taken part in events and enjoyed performances at venues around the North-East and the family activities and Lindisfarne Gospels Trail are proving a big hit with our younger visitors.
“There are lots more events planned and plenty of opportunities to see the exhibition.”
There are currently free family events taking place at Palace Green every day. The photography show Retraced: St Cuthbert’s Final Journey, in Millennium Place, closes this weekend.
This weekend will also see the first of six “graffiti art” pieces by Dutch artist Niels Meulman installed, on Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge.
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be in Durham University’s Palace Green Library until September 30. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Tickets are £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for concessions. To book, visit lindisfarnegospels.com
Meanwhile, a new play commissioned to celebrate the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels will be performed in Durham Cathedral’s Galilee Chapel on Sunday (August 4).
Illumination, written by Donna Worthington and directed by Bill Hopkinson, explores the story of St Cuthbert and the Gospels. The performance starts at 7pm. There will be a debate afterwards.
Tickets, priced £8 for adults and £6 for concessions, can be booked at the Gala Theatre box office, by calling 0191-3324041 or online at galadurham.co.uk
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