Tullamore Women's Shed reimagines the Book of Durrow for new exhibition

By Navjyoti Dalal

Tullamore Library will play host to 'Drawing Darú', an exhibition of paintings and calligraphy inspired by the Book of Durrow beginning Friday (September 4).

The exhibition is an interpretation of the richly decorated text and images from the illuminated manuscript, which predates the Book of Kells, by ladies from the Tullamore Women's Shed.

It is the product of an initiative funded by Creative Ireland and Offaly County Council, which invited local women participants to study and explore the intricate images and calligraphy of The Book of Durrow, under the guidance of visual artist Claire Guinan.

Claire ran eight weekly workshops with the ladies from the Tullamore Women's Shed, taking them through the artistry on the pages of the Book of Durrow, an early medieval illuminated gospel book, which was likely created at Durrow Abbey in County Offaly.

The exhibition comes to Tullamore library for greater access to public, after being part of the heritage week showcase at the Esker Arts Centre in August.

Claire, who spent months leading the project, said, “This has been such a positive and meaningful experience for the women involved. It has given them an opportunity to express themselves creatively, try something new, build confidence and, most importantly, enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from creating something of their own.”

During the weekly classes, the women learned about the history of the ancient manuscript: the making of the ink, the meanings of the illustrations, the hidden symbols within the pages, and the elements that are unique to the book. The ladies experimented with a number of different mediums: drawing, painting, needlework, clay and sewing.

Claire said that she is incredibly proud of all the women who took part. “They have put so much time, effort and enthusiasm into the project, and it is fantastic to now see their work being celebrated and displayed for the wider community,” she added. She is hoping to as many people as possible to cheer on and support the women, celebrate their hard work and show them how proud the community is of what they have accomplished.

The finished artworks celebrating the creative journey of the group are going to be on display at the Tullamore Library, O'Connor Square, beginning Friday, September 4, from 10am onwards.