ADFAS Canberra Guest: Gemma Black Lecture

The Book of Kells: Its History, its Mystery and its Wonder

In the year 2000, when Ireland’s national treasure — The Book of Kells — made its highly acclaimed visit to Australia, Gemma was invited by the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to present this lecture on the Book. Gemma looked at its background, as well as the calligraphy and illumination, pigments and tools therein. Since the NGA’s The Book of Kells and the Art of Illumination exhibition, Gemma has presented this lecture to audiences around the world. Drawing on images from the lecture, this talk allows the audience to delve into some of the history and mystery of this astonishing manuscript.