Woodbine 'Book of Kildare' signing

There was a pleasant gathering in Woodbine Books last evening with artist and calligrapher Josephine Hardiman, who was signing copies of her Book of Kildare, writes Brian Byrne. The event was organised for International Women's Day.

The book was inspired by the belief that there was an original Book of Kildare, now lost, of calligraphy, paintings, drawings, and illuminations, written and created by scribes and monks between the 6th and 9th centuries. Beginning in 2016, Josephine set out to produce a new book in the style. It includes sections on Ancient Kildare, Brigid of Kildare and Kildare Heritage. It was launched at the end of January in Kildare Town Library.

The artist and her work were featured on RTÉ’s 2023 documentary Finding Brigid, hosted by Siobhán McSweeney. 

Copies of the book have been presented to primary schools in County Kildare, courtesy of a grant from Kildare County Council. The first printing is selling so well that a second run is being considered.

Josephine works from her Punchestown Art Studio and Gallery. Among those present last night was her brother Noel Scullion, artist and sculptor and retired art teacher at Cross and Passion College.

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