New Contemporary Installation at Gloucester Cathedral

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Gloucester Cathedral presents a new interactive art installation from British architectural artist, historian and author Amy Jane Adams, that seeks to unlock the design and story of the stunning Medieval cathedral.

Gloucester Cathedral will host its BIG Cathedral Draw event this October half term with a unique artistic twist. Amy Jane Adams, a National Trust artist and author whose contemporary work is inspired by the design and history of European buildings, has curated the art event that will take stage in the Cathedral’s famous cloisters.

The BIG Cathedral Draw will open with a two-day LIVE Draw where visitors will be able to view the artist creating an installation in the Cathedral’s slyp, with large scale ink and watercolour murals inspired by the history and architecture of the Cathedral, including life-size depictions of key figures from the Cathedral’s history like Abbott Serlo, founder of the Cathedral, Henry VIII, and Thomas Cromwell. The artwork will be created in response to historical research gathered by the artist at the Cathedral’s Medieval Library.

Archivist of The Medieval Library, Rebecca Phillips says:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome Amy Jane into our historic library to undertake research into the history of our architecture.  As with all historic research the documents can only take us so far, and so we look forward to seeing how Amy Jane will fill the gaps in our story.  This is where art and history can really work in partnership to give shape to events and individuals who are now lost to us in the historic records.”

In addition to the installation, a mock aisle ‘carpet’ has been reimagined and decorated by a beautiful artwork that incorporates the famous cloisters’ ceiling fan vaulting, the earliest example in Britain, and the stained-glass work of influential Arts & Crafts designer Christopher Whall. The carpet will be printed on a white paper roll and visitors will be encouraged to add colour to the work with provided watercolours and poster paints.

This new interpretation of Gloucester Cathedral aims to highlight the importance of its design and architectural development, which spans over 1000 years. Gloucester has an impressive history of engagement with contemporary art, including the renowned ‘Crucible’ exhibitions in 2010 and 2014 from Gallery Pangolin that featured works from Damien Hirst, Antony Gormley, David Nash and Sarah Lucas.

Helen Jeffrey, Head of Community Engagement commented on the project:

“Amy Jane’s installation is helping to continue the Cathedral’s engagement work, providing appeal to a wider audience and a truly unique creative opportunity for all. Events like this are part of a country-wide effort to put Gloucester on the map as a centre for contemporary art and creative thinking.”

Amy Jane Adams was born in Gloucestershire and studied at the London College of Fashion and Camberwell College of Arts. She has collaborated with the National Trust, The Royal Oak Foundation and Church of England. Her knowledge of architectural history combined with contemporary artistic ideas has meant that her practice has naturally progressed into heritage curation. Amy Jane is represented by Ed Victor.

A launch of the installation will take place on Monday 23rd October 2017 from 2pm-4pm, with a cake and tea reception open to the public. Press are also invited to visit Amy Jane while she creates the work from Friday 20th of October 2017.

Gloucester Cathedral

12 College Green, Gloucester

GL1 2LX

Opening Hours:

Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th of October

7.30am – 6pm

For press enquiries please contact Anna Beketov at anna.beketov@damsonpr.com or +44(0)7948349224