Long before the printed page, the Bible was written out by hand — lettered, decorated and illustrated by scribes who took months over a single page. Illumination is our chance to show you what that looked like.

What is on show

At the centre of the exhibition are facsimile volumes of The Saint John's Bible — a modern handwritten and illuminated Bible, seven volumes in all, lettered with a quill and decorated with gold leaf. They come from the collection of a member of our own congregation, and you will be able to see the pages close up rather than through glass.

Open to everyone — Saturday 24 October

10.00am to 3.00pm at St James the Less. Entry is free, there is nothing to book, and everyone is welcome whether you come to church or not. Children are very welcome.

School groups — Monday 19 to Friday 23 October

Schools are welcome by appointment, free of charge. Groups get a short talk on the history, a chance to see the volumes, and a hands-on go at calligraphy and illumination. It links well to RE, history and art, and it works for primary and secondary.

→ To arrange a visit, contact the Revd Mark Smeed on 01268 211009 or [email protected]

Also at St Peter's, Thundersley

The same exhibition is at St Peter's the week before — schools from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, and open to the public on Saturday 17 October, 10.00am to 3.00pm.