The Imperial Family Bible

The Imperial Family Bible was first published in 1844 by the prominent Scottish publisher, Blackie & Son.  It contained the authorised King James V version and was intended both as a centrepiece and devotional resource for Victorian Christian homes, as well as a family record given the inclusion of two decorative Family Register pages.

Even though it was very expensive (costing around £830 in today’s money), it was very successful and was republished through the 19th century. 

A distinctive feature of the Imperial Family Bible was the inclusion of beautiful steel-plate engravings of famous paintings, including some of the ‘giants’ of the Renaissance period such as Titian, Raffael, and Da Vinci.  The 1870 edition that St James’ owns contains 73 such engravings.

It was the recent return of a copy of this bible, originally owned by a couple who were married in St James’ in 1872, that led to this new and unique exhibition, Drawn into your Presence.

The story of the Imperial Family Bible will be exhibited throughout the exhibition as will be the copy belonging to St James’ Church, with a new page chosen for each day.