A remarkable effort is underway to bring back a 13th-century Bible to its birthplace at Salisbury Cathedral, where it will enrich the cathedral’s historic collection. The Sarum Master Bible, crafted by the renowned medieval artist known as the Sarum Master, is being sought by the Friends of National Libraries (FNL), which has launched a campaign to raise £90,000 (approximately $115,000) for the purchase.
The Sarum Master Bible stands out as one of only six manuscripts attributed to this master artist. This unique work reflects the pinnacle of medieval artistry, echoing the rich traditions of liturgical practice and artistry from the period before the Reformation. The urgency of the campaign is particularly evident; the manuscript is currently held by private collectors and is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s, making the 90-day timeline for raising the funds critically important.
To get the ball rolling, the campaign has already received some significant backing, including a noteworthy £10,000 donation from the Old Possum’s Practical Trust. This charity, inspired by the legacy of poet T.S. Eliot, aims to promote cultural and literary initiatives and generates its funding through proceeds from productions like Cats. The charity echoed sentiments shared by many stakeholders involved, expressing hope to see this manuscript return to its rightful home where it was originally created.
A spokesperson for the T.S. Eliot estate remarked, “We would like to see this extraordinary book returned to where it was originally written. It feels like poetic justice for this jewel of a manuscript to return seven centuries after it was written and illuminated on vellum.”
The Sarum Master was instrumental during the medieval period, creating manuscripts, particularly the Sarum Missal, which formed the backbone of liturgical practices of Salisbury Cathedral and influenced broader ecclesiastical practices across England. Experts on medieval manuscripts, such as Christopher de Hamel, claim he was one of the earliest identifiable manuscript artists of his time, his work marked by stunning illustrations and illuminations.
Salisbury Cathedral itself is no stranger to historical significance. It stands as one of England’s architectural marvels, featuring the tallest spire at 123 meters, and attracts about 250,000 visitors each year. Its library, established as early as 1445, boasts collections of manuscripts from the 9th century onward, providing insight not only on meditative texts but also contributing to Britain’s legal history with items like one of the original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta - the cornerstone document establishing the rule of law.
Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, expressed heartfelt gratitude toward FNL for spearheading this venture to reclaim such a pivotal piece of cultural heritage. “The artistry of the Sarum Master reflects Salisbury’s centuries-long tradition of creativity,” said Papadopulos. “We are delighted at the prospect of sharing this treasure with visitors to the cathedral library in the future.”
Cultural Secretary Lisa Nandy has been vocal about her support for the campaign, commending the collaborative efforts of FNL and its partners as embodying the best of ‘our country’. “This campaign to return a book handwritten by one of England’s most famous medieval artists to the place where it was made showcases our country at its best,” she proclaimed. Nandy’s endorsement coupled with substantial donations has energized the campaign significantly.
The mission to restore the Sarum Master Bible to the Salisbury Cathedral is not merely about reclaiming it physically; it is about reconnecting communities with their shared history and culture. The excitement around this effort highlights the collective appreciation for preserving historical manuscripts and the stories they tell. The target amount of £90,000 is seen as not just funding for the manuscript, but as investment toward preserving the nation’s cultural legacy.
For those wishing to contribute to this important cause, donations can be made directly through the Friends of National Libraries' official campaign page. The collective effort to return this extraordinary artifact of English history is bolstered by individuals and organizations viewing the importance of physical narratives connected to places of worship, learning, and, inherently, culture.
Whether it’s the heartfelt contributions from the public or significant monetary support from foundations, the campaign continues to gain traction. A library’s worthiness can often be measured by tales of extraordinary items like the Sarum Master Bible - tales of faith, artistry, and community - all vibrant narratives waiting to be told. With the clock ticking down, anticipation builds as supporters remain hopeful for the manuscript’s return to its roots. Will the Sarum Master Bible once again grace the shelves of Salisbury Cathedral’s library, or will history remain partially suspended once more? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the fight to reclaim history has just begun.
