This artwork is a little gem. Stunning and beautiful, delicate and vibrant, it is a contemporary reflection on one of the foundational virtues of Christianity in the ancient, indigenous art of the British Isles, which can be traced back to the Cruithne, the Celtic peoples the Roman invaders called Pictii. The illuminated lettering style used here is from the 7th century Lindisfarne Gospels whilst the knotwork border which decorates the surrounding mount has been adapted from a square from the Nigg Stone in Ross-Shire, Scotland.

'Hope', the title of the piece, is one of the three cardinal virtues, and found throughout the Bible. Hope is so important to us all, for without it, our lives become meaningless and without security. Many of us put our hope in our studies, our jobs, income, relationships, a pension fund or a private health insurance yet none of these are guaranteed to provide us with that security we need. In Jeremiah 29:11, God encourages us to hope in him, saying 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' When our hope is in him, who knows us so intimately and cares for us so tenderly, we can have peace.

The artwork would make a beautiful and timeless gift for anyone appreciative of traditional Celtic art and Scripture.