THE priceless 13th century Sarum Master Bible is going go on public display for the first time at Salisbury Cathedral, from 28th February to 20th March, following a successful fundraising campaign by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries.

The Bible is a manuscript of exceptional artistic value with great significance to Salisbury. It is just 17cm (6.5 inches) high, written on parchment and beautifully illustrated with highly detailed initial letters.

It is an early English example of a small, portable Bible. Following the fundraising campaign by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, the Bible was purchased from a private owner, via Sotheby’s, and donated to Salisbury Cathedral. This will be the first time in centuries that the Bible will be on view to the public.

The Sarum Master was one of the greatest artists of his time, a manuscript illuminator working in the 1240s and 1250s, most probably in Salisbury. He was one of the first professional book illuminators in England and appears to have led a large workshop.

At the time there was much artistic activity in Salisbury. The Cathedral was under construction and was in the process of being decorated with wall-painting, ceiling-painting, sculpture and stained glass. It is likely that the different artists working in the city drew inspiration from and influenced each other.

Each book of the Sarum Master Bible begins with an intricate decorated initial. Some are ornamental; others are historiated (that is, containing human figures), illustrating scenes and characters from the Bible and other subjects. The initials use a rich colour palette, including a distinctive green. In keeping with the size of the volume, these initials are less than 2.5cm (under one inch) high.

The Sarum Master Bible will be on display until 20th march and is included in general admission charges. As well as being on public display, there are plans to fully digitize the Bible and offer study days to look more closely at its production and history.