The Book of Kildare

‘The Book of Kildare’ is an original and unique interpretative work of art in a Celtic insular style calligraphy, inspiration for which was the writings on the lost ‘Book of Kildare’ by the scribe, Gerald of Wales. An entirely original body of work by Kildare watercolour artist and calligrapher, Josephine Hardiman, it examines Kildare’s rich heritage and traditions, from mythology and Celtic folklore through the Middle Ages and to modern day.

Included are several pages on our patron Saint Brigid of Kildare and her far reaching legacy, pagan/Celtic Festivals of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain, and the ancient occupations such as the blacksmith, the poet and the healer.

The pages of hand calligraphy, watercolour images and Illuminated scripts speaks to our ancient Irish traditions of storytelling, artistry, Celtic insular hand calligraphy, but perhaps more importantly to the tradition of manuscripts, specifically The Book of Kells and The Book of Durrow.

This exhibition was made possible by the generous support of Creative Ireland and Kildare County Council.