The great gospel of Colum Cille was described in 1006 as the chief treasure of the western world. Nearly a thousand years later it still remains one of the greatest achievements of Western art.

For centuries the few who were privileged to see the intricate beauty of its designs called it ‘the work of angels’. This documentary special conveys for the first time on screen, the greatest glory of Irish art through imaginative use of high definition film.

Created on the windy Hebridean island of Iona thirteen centuries ago, the production traces the history of this great book to Kells and finally to the Trinity Library in Dublin, where The Book of Kells is part of their permanent collection. This magnificent manuscript, with its intricate Celtic knotwork designs, continues to influence artists today.

Episodes
1 x 1 Hour