Insular Art, was produced in the post-Roman era of Great Britain and Ireland. The term derives from insula, Latin for "island"; in this period Britain and Ireland shared a common style, different from that of the rest of Europe.

Originating from the Irish monastic movement, the period begins around 600AD, with the combining of Celtic and Anglo-Saxon styles. One major distinctive feature is the interlace stonework decoration we all recognise, and also applied to decorating  jewellery and the Book.

The finest period of the style was interrupted by the disruption to monastic centres and aristocratic life, caused by the Viking raids on eastern England which began in the late 8th century. In Ireland the style continued until the 12th century and along with Scotland and the kingdom of Northumberland being the most important centres. The influence of Insular Art affected all subsequent European medieval art, especially in the decorative elements of Romanesque and Gothic manuscripts.

Our expert lecturer, Dr. Meg Boulton takes us through the development of this unique, often overlooked artform  She says “Many of the stone sculptures of the Insular World were originally painted. This lecture looks at these carved stones alongside the painted pages of Insular manuscripts (including the Book of Durrow, the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Codex Amiatinus) asking what these painted surfaces brought to the art of early Church.” 

Illustrations below:  Franks Casket - Northumberland, The book of Kells - scotland, The Book of Durrow - Ireland