The Book of Kells: A Presentation in Kansas City
There is a presentation on the most famous of Irish illuminated manuscripts, the Book of Kells, by Joanna Carraway of Rockhurst University, this Sunday, March 9th, 2008 at the IMCC.
Joanna Carraway returns to share information and a slide show about the history and art of the Book of Kells in a reprise of last year’s sell-out program.
And since it is a reprise, I’ll reprise most of what I said then:
Pub walls, menus, tea-towels, Irish websites, and Celtic jewellery will never be the same for you again.
As well as showing images of the book, the IMCC suggests Joanna may even bring Rockhurst University’s own facsimile of the Book of Kells - which will save you a ton of airfare to Dublin, especially for those random days when Trinity College pull the actual book from display and show you a facsimile instead.
Despite all the kitschy (mis)representations we continue to be bombarded with (of which I’m guilty myself - but more on that later), the book itself is truly a spectacular and beautiful wonder and I heartily recommend you learn more about it.
The event is scheduled for 2pm and is posted on the KC Irish events calendar, but contact info@irishmuseum.org should you need more information.
And of what celtic kitsch am I guilty? Quite a bit I’m sure, but in reference to the Book of Kells never more so than in the case of the Cow Parade when it came to Kansas City. I painted the Cow of Kells, in an attempt to make one of the fibreglass beasts look like it may have inhabited one of the Book’s pages and also using many of the designs, lettering and motifs to decorate the cow itself. I’ll post photos another time.
See More Stuff Not Unrelated:
• The Irish Book of Bog
• Is the Book of Kells like the Da Vinci Code?
• Moone Cross Base
Admission: $5 adults, free high school & younger.
Irish Center in Union Station, 2 pm
Eolaí gan Fhéile:
She did an excellent job last year!