Knotwork cross developed

Bain was clearly fascinated by the designs within the four crosses around St John in the Book of Kells. He records how to draw the pattern in the centre-left cross in Methods of Construction. He then ‘corrects’ the design in the other poster in this set. But in this drawing Bain takes the original design one step further.

He adds in an extra set of loops in the knotwork strands forming the cross shaft. This gives the cross the appearance of being made up of five linked squares. The note at the bottom ‘compare with Ulbster Cross’ explains why he made the adaptation. The cross he is referring to is also made up of five knotworked squares. It must have been the inspiration for the re-working of this one from the Book of Kells.