During the exhibition Sacred Space, the McIntosh Gallery will present a limited engagement display of Western’s own 1613 copy of the King James Bible.
This year marks the 400th anniversary of this important book in the Christian faith as it constitutes a compilation of disparate earlier translations by as many as 50 Anglican divines. William Tyndale, whose translation comprises some 90 percent of the King James Bible, is credited with much of its linguistic beauty. Although printed without commentary, the text does include explanations or interpretations of difficult words and passages.
“The 1613 edition of the King James Bible is one of the oldest items preserved in Western’s James Alexander and Ellen Rae Benson Special Collections,” says Robin Keirstead, university archivist. “It is the centrepiece of our small but significant collection of early published versions of the Bible. To date, it has also been one of our hidden gems, and so we welcome the opportunity to partner with the McIntosh Gallery to highlight it as part of the Sacred Space exhibit.”
This special loan, running through June 14, coincides with the 137th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada to be held from June 5-11 at Western. More than 450 delegates are expected to attend.
Visit the McIntosh Gallery website for information.
