Bible, Galloway Family; Bassandyne, Thomas; 1579; RI.W2010.3061 on NZ Museums

From

Te Hikoi Museum

Name/Title

Bible, Galloway Family

Edition

1st Edition

Maker

Bassandyne, Thomas

Maker Role

Publisher

About this object

This Bible came from Scotland with the Galloway family in the mid-1800s and is extremely significant in that it was the first complete English-language Bible printed in Scotland. Only a few years prior to its printing, simply possessing a Bible in English was an offence punishable by death and thus represents a revolution in the religious practices and tolerances of the era.

The Galloway family have long-standing connections with the printing industry from as early as 1798, when Alexander Galloway married Agnes Hill - the daughter of a Scottish paper-maker. One of their children, William Galloway became involved in publishing in Scotland before emigrating to New Zealand. Once there, William and his son Alexander purchased Riverton's local newspaper - The Western Star - and traded as Galloway and Son. Additionally, beginning in 1769, the Galloway family genealogical records have been written within the pages of this Bible.

Medium and Materials

organic, processed materials, leather
organic, processed material, paper

Measurements

h 320 mm x w 260 mm x d 75 mm

Date Made

1579

Period

1570s

Place Made

Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland, Edinburgh

Publisher

Bassandyne, Thomas