Understanding Interlace - a half day workshop
Date and time
Description
Understanding Interlace
Half-Day Workshop
Michael Brennan
Trinity Irish Art Research Centre (TRIARC)
Trinity College, Dublin
Free, but booking essential - Places limited (first come, first served)
The University of Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies is delighted to welcome Dr Michael Brennan, the leading expert on interlace (‘knotwork’) in Insular art. Interlace - the weaving of ribbons alternately over and under in complex patterns - is popularly thought of as the definitive motif of ‘Celtic’ art, but in fact it was introduced to these islands firstly by the Romans, then via Christian decorative art and finally in Germanic or Frankish contexts. It proved to be the most long-lasting of all European art motifs. Its grip on early medieval art saw it contribute to the eighth century ‘Golden Age’ of Insular art (Lindisfarne Gospels, Tara brooch, Book of Kells, etc.), before it declined somewhat in the face of eighth and ninth century Continental styles. It had a second high point in late eleventh/early twelfth century Hiberno-Scandinavian styles (Cross of Cong, etc.) but declined once more with the advent of Romanesque art. It never fully disappeared, clinging on through the Middle Ages to embellish some official documents and scribal works, until it was adopted by the Scottish and Irish ‘Celtic’ Revival movements in the nineteenth century. It remains a feature of contemporary revival art.
Understanding interlace brings an insight into the beauty of its uses in the Middle Ages, and an appreciation of the construction problems faced by early artists, and their skill in overcoming these. This workshop offers a unique ‘hands on’ opportunity to (literally) get to grips with the internal structure of this remarkably resilient form. Dr Brennan will demonstrate the basic features of interlace (including abstract (or ‘geometric’) interlace, zoomorphic interlace, and symmetry) and guide participants through a hands-on investigation, using ribbons supplied. Case studies from metalwork, manuscript and sculpture will be discussed in the light of insights gained from the practical sessions.
The workshop is open to staff and students (in the event of oversubscription preference will be given to PG students). It will appeal to anyone with an interest in Celtic, Anglo-Saxon or Viking art and archaeology, or in the application of knotwork, geometric pattern and symmetry in art more generally. On the eve of the workshop (12/5/15), Dr Brennan will be giving a seminar on the subject ‘Interlace and the early art of Scotland’, in 3 University Gardens, room 202, at 5.30pm. All welcome.
Deadline: Friday 1 May 2015