The Chester Beatty Library, at Dublin Castle, Ireland, is one of the most impressive Library’s in the world and one of the finest collections by a single individual. It contains a vast collection of over 8,000 Artefacts; miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts from a diverse array of Cultures and time periods. It is not just a Library but it is also a Museum and Art Gallery of immense importance not only for the Irish Nation but also for World Heritage.
The Chester Beatty Library was moved to its present location at Dublin Castle, from 20 Shrewsbury road in 2000.This same year, the Chester Beatty Library was awarded Irish Museum of the year in and was awarded the title ‘European Museum of the Year’ in 2002.
Role of the Library
The Chester Beatty Library is a public charitable trust which was established after the death of Chester Beatty in 1968. The purpose and role of the Chester Beatty collection is outlined on the Library’s official website
The role of the Library is to protect, preserve and make available to the public in the form of exhibitions, popular publications, lectures and other events the heritage enshrined in the collections of the late Chester Beatty and to provide the world of scholarship access to the internationally important resource… The purpose of the Library, having regard to its duty of care, is therefore to contribute new value to the cultural life of Ireland at home and in its relations with peoples and cultures everywhere. – (About us page) www.cbl.ie
Sir Alfred Chester Beatty The Man (1875-1968)
It is impossible to talk about The Chester Beatty Library without talking about the founder and Patron of this wonderful Institution and his motivation behind such a remarkable collection of priceless treasures.
Sir Alfred Chester Beatty was born in New York on 7 February 1875 of Irish, Scottish and English ancestry. He was the youngest of three sons to John Cuming Beatty, a banker and stock-broker and his Mother, Hetty Bull Beatty.
After graduating as a mining engineer from Columbia State University, he worked hard and built up an internationally respected Engineering and Mining Consultancy Firm in New York in 1908. After the death of his wife in 1911 from Typhoid Fever and also suffering from ill health himself, he left the United States and established a consultancy firm in London in 1912 and also later that year re-marrying a fellow New-Yorker, Edith Dunn. He fast became one of the wealthiest men in Britain receiving many honours and accolades for his work.
Alfred Chester Beatty was a pioneer in new methods of extracting copper from low grade ore and as a result of exploiting the large Copper reserves on the African continent he amassed a large fortune which later would be wisely used in the acquisition of some of the Worlds greatest treasures.
Sir Alfred Chester Beatty the Collector
Since childhood, Beatty had been a collector of minerals, Chinese Snuff Bottles and Stamps and later in life this interest in collecting expanded to the point where he had accumulated a vast array of ancient works. It is thanks to this early childhood interest in collecting, that we have today, one of the foremost personal collections of Ancient Art, Culture and Literature in world History.
In 1914 Chester Beatty travelled to Egypt in order to acquire decorated copies of the Qur’an for his collection. It wasn’t only copies of the Qur’an which he was interested in; he bought a house near Cairo so he and his wife, Edith could enjoy the warm climate.
In 1917 he journeyed to Asia and added Japanese and Chinese paintings to his collection. These acquisitions included fine bindings and beautiful calligraphy and historic Chinese and Japanese Literature.
During World War Two, Chester Beatty made a significant contribution to the Allied War Effort, for supplying strategic raw materials. After the War he received a Knighthood for his services. In 1950, he decided to move to Ireland and built a library for his art collection on Shrewsbury Road which opened in 1954. In 1957 Chester Beatty became Ireland’s first honorary citizen. On his death in 1968 he was accorded a State Funeral which makes him the only private citizen to receive such an honour.
The Collections
By the time of his death on January 19th 1968 in Monaco, Chester Beatty had established one of the world’s greatest collections of Biblical papyri and codex’s; Christian and Islamic illuminated manuscripts; Persian, Turkish, and Indian paintings; Japanese woodblocks and Chinese jade books manuscripts as well as many printed books from Eastern and Western culture. The Collection also contains many Atlases and books on travel and topography, including works on early printing and the history of costume.
The East Asian Collection contains albums and Royal jade books from China and a large collection of rare Rhinoceros horn cups, textiles and decorative objects. The Library also contains beautifully painted scrolls from the 17th and 18th century, woodblock prints by Hiroshige and Hokusai and many other Japanese works of art.
The Islamic Collection makes up the bulk of Chester Beatty’s Library’s wonderful artefacts. These are from the Middle-East and are Islamic in origin. This section of the library contains over 6,000 individual items. Some of the finest examples of The Qur’an are to be found here; 260 examples in all, some of these dating from as early as the late eight and ninth centuries. Among the Islamic art collection are paintings and some of the finest Arabic Calligraphy to be found in the world today.
The Western Collection contains many Western European and Armenian Manuscripts, books, bindings and paintings from the medieval period right up to modern times. This collection consists of cuneiform tablets from 2500 BCE to fine artists' books of the mid-twentieth century. More than 3,000 rare printed books and nearly 35,000 Old Master prints and drawings are contained here. With such a diverse collection of books, from the earliest papyrus manuscripts and codex’s, to the finest books of the Twentieth Century, the Chester Beatty Library can show systematically the development of the Western book
Bible Translation
The Chester Beatty Library is more than just a repository of Art, Literature and World Culture. It is the home to some of the most important and historical Literary treasures in existence. Its Biblical Codex’s and Manuscript collection contains the earliest sources, on papyrus, of The Holy Bible. When Scholars embark on a new translation of The Bible, they must travel to Dublin to consult the Chester Beatty Manuscripts to complete their work. With the publication of the Chester Beatty papyri, scholars now had even more corroborating evidence toward authentication of the Greek Scriptures.
These precious Manuscripts were discovered in a Coptic (Egyptian) graveyard about 1930. With the discovery of these Manuscripts, the world renowned scholar, Sir Frederic Kenyon, who incidentally, had a hand in the acquisition of the vitally important Codex Sinaiticus, said, “It was a discovery, only to be rivalled by that of the Codex Sinaiticus.” - Frederic G Kenyon, The Story of the Bible: A Popular Account of How it Came to Us. London: J. Murray, 1936. 2nd edition with supplementary material by F.F. Bruce, 1964.
The Chester Beatty Codices
All the Chester Beatty Manuscripts were found in Papyrus Codex form, which surprised Scientists of the day. Formerly they had estimated that the earliest Codices used by Christian Copyists, were dated after the 4th Century C.E. but these new finds suggested an earlier date for this newly invented book form of the Codex; some as early as the second Century C.E., which makes the Chester Beatty Manuscripts, at least a Century earlier than the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus.
So what exactly is the significance of the Codex form? Historically speaking, from ancient times, people had preserved their writings on monuments, stone or wood tablets and more popularly on Scrolls. These mediums tended to be quite large, inconvenient and cumbersome by their very nature. This would certainly not lend itself to the easy handling and even transportation of a text when needed, so Scrolls, generally speaking, would be kept at one specific location for convenience purposes.
This remained the case for thousands of years until the invention of the Codex. The Codex resembled our modern day books, in that they contained leaves tied along the fold with writing on both sides and bound together between two covers. To a modern person it would seem only logical that we should record writing in such a manner and form but it wasn’t until this revolutionary new invention by the early Christians, that this new medium was accepted.
By the third Century, the Codex therefore, became the prototype of our modern day book. The Codex form, thus became; albeit after a long struggle with the accepted conventions on the norm, the Universal Medium by which the written word was disseminated. Although the Scroll form was in use for many Centuries after the invention of the Codex, the practical value of the Codex meant the wide acceptance of this new form of the written word.
Papyri Manuscripts - early 3rd Century
These Biblical Papyri Manuscripts date from the second to the fourth century C.E. They are the earliest extant copies of the four gospels, (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) and Acts of the Apostles, the Letters of The Apostle Paul, the Book of Revelation and various very early Old Testament fragments. - (www.cbl.ie/Collections)
These manuscripts, all in Greek and Christian in origin are mostly dated to the 3rd Century C.E. It is not clear how these ancient texts were discovered originally before Chester Beatty acquired them for his collection. Some say they were found in jars found in a graveyard near the ruins of the ancient city of Aphroditopolis. Some say they were found near Fayum either in a church or monastery. The papyri were first announced on November 19th, 1931 but more pages were added over the next decade.
Chester Beatty Papyrus I P45
The Chester Beatty Papyrus Manuscript Number one known as P45 (Internationally accepted Gregory-Aland numbering system for Biblical Greek ms.) was originally the most extensive of all papyrus manuscripts in the world, containing more than one New Testament section but it has been very badly damaged, which means that relatively little of the original text survives today. This ancient Manuscript, dating from around 150 C.E. (Common Era) contains part of all four gospels and also Acts of the Apostles, including Matthew 20-21 and 25-26; Mark 4-9 and 11-12; Luke 6-7 and 9-14; John 4-5 and 10-11; and Acts 4-17.
Chester Beatty Papyrus II P46
The Chester Beatty Papyrus Manuscript number two known as the P46 Manuscript is the earliest papyrus manuscript containing most of the Letters of The Apostle Paul in existence. This Manuscript also dates from c150 C.E. This papyrus was discovered along with P45 and P47 in Egypt in the early 1930’s. The manuscript was subsequently broken up in two portions and presently, part of these papyrus fragments are housed in the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland while the other portion remains at the University of Michigan. This is the earliest Pauline manuscript known to date.
P46 contains most the Apostle Paul’s letters: Today, there remain 85 out of a total of 104 leaves consisting of the majority of Romans; Hebrews; 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians; and two chapters of 1 Thessalonians. Although usually dated around 150-200 AD, it is written in a handwriting which has only ever been found in first century manuscripts, and so some people suggest it could be much earlier.
PAPYRUS FRAGMENTS P46
10 Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to [us] in the faith. 11 SEE with what large letters I have written YOU with my own hand. 12 All those who want to make a pleasing appearance in the flesh are the ones that try to compel YOU to get circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted for the torture stake of the Christ, Jesus. 13 For not even do those who are getting circumcised keep the Law themselves, but they want YOU to be circumcised that they may have cause for boasting in YOUR flesh. 14 Never may it occur that I should boast, except in the torture stake of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been impaled to me and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything nor is uncircumcision, but a new creation [is something]. 16 And all those who will walk orderly by this rule of conduct, upon them be peace and mercy, even upon the Israel of God. 17 Henceforth let no one be making trouble for me, for I am carrying on my body the brand marks [of a slave] of Jesus. 18 The undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with the spirit YOU [show], brothers. Amen. – Galatians 6:10 – KJV
Chester Beatty Papyrus III P47
The third and last Chester Beatty New Testament Manuscript on Papyrus, known as the P47 manuscript is a copy of the Apocalypse or as is more commonly known the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. This manuscript dates from the last part of the third Century C.E. It must also be noted that this document is the oldest known authority on the book of Revelation, which makes this manuscript along with P45 and P46 absolutely essential historical documents.
A Gift to the Irish Nation
The Chester Beatty Library is the home to some of the greatest Cultural and Religious artefacts that exist in the world today and it was bequeathed, in trust, to the people of Ireland, by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty for world posterity. From small beginnings, from the collections of a child, to one of the vastest collections of Cultural Treasures that we have in existence, the Chester Beatty Library continues the work of one of the most prolific Bibliophiles of all time.
As Charles Horton says in his book, - “Alfred Chester Beatty – From Minor to Bibliophile” – 2003. “ Unlike some of his contemporaries, Beatty had no grand plan when he was forming his collection, or, if he did, it has remained firmly hidden.” Albeit, absent of any grand plan, Beatty’s Collections, have without any doubt, turned out to be a most valuable asset. Not monetarily speaking but Culturally.
Sir Alfred Chester Beatty died in 1968 at the grand old age of 93, leaving a fortune, estimated at ₤168 Million. Just four years later his Son, Chester Beatty Jnr. sold his Fathers company, Selection Trust, for another ₤400 Million but this vast fortune did not become his legacy.
His greatest legacy is not only one of Ireland's Greatest Library’s but it is also one of the world’s greatest collections of Art treasures. Although at any given time, only 1 per cent of the Collection is on display, it is still a place worth visiting. It continues to attract many learned Scholars, from all over the world in their quest to study some of the rarest and most precious texts from antiquity. It continues also to be an attraction to all those who have an interest in the development of World Culture and some of the finest treasures of ancient Literature, Art and religion.
From the third millennium B.C.E. to the present day, the Chester Beatty Library brings us a wonderful history and development of the Western book from its origins in Papyrus Codex to some of the finest artist’s books of the twentieth century. Whatever our interests are, we can find something of interest in this wonderful library. If you haven’t yet taken a trip to Dublin Castle to view these ancient writings, it would be a very worthwhile and memorable visit.
These papyrus Manuscripts may not be dazzling works of Art such as The Book of Kells or some other beautifully illuminated text but they are nonetheless, priceless. They are a witness and indeed, a visible link to the very beginnings of Christianity and Western Civilisation. The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin. Truly, a remarkable place!
© 2011 G Thomas - No distribution beyond personal
use without permission
Chester Beatty Library by G Thomas is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Chester Beatty Library by G Thomas is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Appendix 1 - The Gospel According to Mark
The Gospel According to Mark c. AD 250
BP I (P45), f. 6r
Commentary:
The Gospel According to Mark 8: 11-26.
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” 13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. 14 Now the disciples[a] had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “ It is because we have no bread.” 17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still[b] hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.” 21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?” 22 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” 25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. 26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”[c] - Mark 8: 11-26 NKJV
Appendix 2 - The Gospel of Saint Luke
The Gospel of Saint Luke
Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
c. AD 250
BP I (P45), ff. 13r-14r
Commentary:
The Gospel of Luke 11: 50 – 12: 12 and 13: 6-24. This Chester Beatty papyrus codex is the oldest book in the world to contain these New Testament texts in a single volume. Until its discovery, only small papyrus fragments of single Gospels were known. This book showed that the four Gospels and the Acts were compiled into one volume much earlier than many scholars had expected. In total, parts of 60 out of an estimated 220 leaves survive. The folios containing Mark and most of Luke’s Gospel are the oldest known copies of these texts.
1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?[a] And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
8 “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
10 “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” – Luke 12:1-12 NKJV
Appendix 3 - The Letters of Saint Paul
The Letters of Saint Paul
ca. AD 180-200
BP II (P46), bifolia 15v and 90v
Commentary:
Letter to the Romans 11: 13-22 and Letter to the Colossians 1: 5-12. The Chester Beatty papyrus codex of the Pauline Epistles is the earliest book of Saint Paul’s letters in existence. It contains some of Paul’s letters to the early Christian communities in Asia Minor. The pages were numbered in the upper margin, and enough page numbers have been preserved to establish the original formation of the volume. The entire codex would have consisted of 100 to 104 leaves, of which only 86 survive, 55 in Dublin and 30 in the library of the University of Michigan.
13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. 15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness,[f] if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. - Romans 11: 13-22 NKJV
References
Chester Beatty Library. (About us page). [Online]. Available from www.cbl.ie/About-Us/The-Chester-Beatty-Library.aspx [Accessed 23 September 2010]
The Centre for the study of New Testament Manuscripts. [Online]. Available at http://www.csntm.org/Blog/Archive/2009/1/19/P46TheEarliestExtantWitnessToTheCorpusPaulinum [Accessed 21 September 2010]
The Story of The Bible: A Popular Account of How it Came to Us [Online]. Available at http://www.bible-researcher.com/kenyon/sotb9.html [Accessed 24 September 2010]
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