The Saint John’s Bible will be the Sunday Forum topic at Oxford Presbyterian Church this Sunday, Dec. 7.
Lisa Tracy and Sarah Clayton will discuss the illuminated Saint John’s Bible created by Donald Jackson, official calligrapher (scribe) to the British Crown.
The Sunday Forum immediately follows the service at approximately noon.
In 2000, Jackson demonstrated his talent and extensive research by creating the gospel according to Saint Johns in this rare and unique art form known as an “ Illuminated Manuscript.” It was a tough job and wasn’t completed until 2010.
Five hundred years ago (a dark time in prerenaissance Europe) the word of the Lord was preserved by elaborately painted (illuminated) bibles - the work of monks at monasteries in Britain, France and Germany.
Jackson brings back the glory of this ancient art form by copying the Saint Johns bible in calligraphy, entirely scribed and illuminated (painted) on parchment or vellum with a quill pen. He even makes many of his own tools, the quills carved from goose, swan or turkey wings and uses an old and rare type of ink (from China).
In 1992 Sarah Clayton interviewed him during the course of writing an article for the magazine British Heritage. She will describe her interview with Jackson in the Sunday Forum.
She found him both charming and humble - yet proud to be able to bring back an ancient craft and learn about the man who made it. Sections of this the Saint Johns Bible will be on display at Oxford Church after the service on Dec. 7.
A copy of Volume 1 of the Bible is visiting Grace Episcopal Church this fall from its home at the Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minn.
