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Payson Library Hosts Saint John’s Bible Exhibition

Opening Tuesday, May 3, Pepperdine University’s Payson Library will host an exhibition of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition, the first illuminated, handwritten Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in more than 500 years. The library’s new gallery space will feature the Psalms volume of this extraordinary work, which has been created by Donald Jackson, senior scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office, along with a team of scribes and artists. In addition, 12 prints of illuminations from The Saint John’s Bible will be on display, as well as complimentary brochures on the full work.

"The Saint John's Bible is a work of sacred art," says Ken LaZebnik, Pepperdine's director for Library Advancement and Public Affairs. "It invites study and meditation of the Biblical text in a profound and timeless way. The beauty of the artistic interpretation of each line of Scripture offers hope today and will inspire future generations for years to come."

Pepperdine Libraries hope to acquire the entire seven volumes of approximately 1,150 pages, which constitute this monumental work. If successful, the library will own one of only 200 editions of this unique document of art and faith. The work of The Saint John’s Bible is being done in a scriptorium in Wales, using traditional materials such as vellum (calfskin); ancient inks; gold and silver leaf; and platinum, and is being written with quill pens fashioned from goose, turkey, and swan feathers.

The Heritage Edition is the only full-size, fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible. It is one of only 299 copies of the original Saint John’s Bible that will ever be produced. The first was presented to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in April 2008. The Saint John’s Bible, appointed by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey and University, was created to ignite spiritual imagination and bring alive the word of God in this new millennium.

To learn more about this exhibit, visit the Pepperdine Libraries Web site.