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Sat 22 June, 10:30-15:00 in the Community Studio
FREE* St John’s Bible Family Event
Admire our copy of the stunning and inspiring St John’s Bible - written and decorated by hand in the 1990s and gifted to the Cathedral in November 2023.
Explore the stories that inspired the artwork contained in the pages of this stunning Bible and find out how these ancient scriptures are used today.
Learn fine writing in our calligraphy workshop, led by local calligrapher Julia Baxter, and create your own illuminated bible verse to take home.
This is a drop-in activity; no need to book.
The calligraphy workshop is suitable for ages 8+. Both children and adults welcome. There will also be activities suitable for younger children.
* Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Watch service recording
Evensong for The Saint John’s Bible
On Saturday 11 November, The Very Reverend Dr. David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, received the Heritage Edition set of The Saint John’s Bible on behalf of Canterbury Cathedral.
The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program
The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program is an international initiative for individuals and institutions to explore the artistic and spiritual beauty of The Saint John’s Bible with fine art limited editions created under the direction of Donald Jackson, calligrapher.
Find out more about The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program here.
Background
The Saint John’s Bible is the first handwritten and hand-illuminated Bible created by a Benedictine monastery for more than 500 years. For Canterbury, the project harks back to the times when there was an active scriptorium at the cathedral priory.
The Heritage Edition set is a rare fine art reproduction of the original manuscript of The Saint John’s Bible. Only 299 Heritage Edition sets of The Saint John’s Bible exist in the world.
Jackson was commissioned 25 years ago by Saint John’s Abbey and University, Minnesota, to serve as the Artistic Director and Principal Illustrator of The Saint John’s Bible project.
Find out more about The Saint John's Bible here.
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