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Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: A Celtic Prayer
Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Illumination: A Celtic Prayer

Dateprobably 1942
Maker Theodora Harrison born Ireland, 1890; died Dublin, 1969. Active in Seattle, Washington, 1929-1951
Label TextThis exquisite illumination of a Celtic prayer is an original design created by Seattle artist, Theodora Lawrenson Harrison, who was internationally renowned as both a scholar of medieval manuscript illumination and a master illuminator herself. The Irish-born Harrison was an eminent figure in Northwest Art, a president of Women Painters of Washington, and a founder of the art gallery at Frederick and Nelson department store. But she was also internationally renowned as an illuminator and creator of armorial design. Commissions came from such high places as the royal offices of Britain’s King George VI. Harrison was commissioned to create the Seattle Art Museum coat of arms in 1934.
Object number2013.7
ProvenancePurchased from the artist, May 1942
Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann
Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
DimensionsSheet size: 8 ¾ x 12 in. Mount board: 15 ½ x 18 in.
MediumInk and watercolor on simulated parchment
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination from the Lindesfarne Gospels: Initial, 7th Century Irish Illuminating, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.4
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination from the Lindesfarne Gospels, 7th Century: Initial “P,” “Matthew,” and Illuminated Border, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.5
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination from the MS. Harleian 1319 : Scenes from Richard II’s Campaign in Ireland—1. Conference of the Earl of Gloucester and an Irish Chief, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.6
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination from the MS. Harleian 1319: Scenes from Richard IIs Campaign in Ireland—2. Ships Bringing Provisions to the English Host, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.7
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination from the Book of Kells, from the Series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.8
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: Initials “AV” from the Book of Kells, 7th-8th Century Irish Illuminating, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.9
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: Initial “P” from the Book of Kells, 7th-8th Century Irish Illuminating, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.11
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: “Et Dixit” from the Book of Kells, 7th-8th Century Irish Illuminating, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.12
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: Creative Work—Border Designed and Illuminated . . . in Traditional Celtic Manner, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.3
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: Examples Showing Decorative Treatment of the Human Figure, from the Book of Kells, Ireland, 7th-8th Century, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.10
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: “Tradat” from the Book of Kells, 7th-8th Century Irish Illuminating, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.13
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Illumination: “Vesper,” Book of Kells, 7th -8th Century Irish Illuminating, from the series, Examples of Illumination and Heraldry, Federal Public Works of Art Project, Region #16, Washington State
Theodora Harrison
1934 or 1935
Object number: 2013.6.14