Pilgrim's Progress - 27th August 2010
IN the 19th century the great railway stations were considered to be the cathedrals of their age. In the 20th, skyscrapers stretched our minds and imaginations. In the 21st, art galleries have become the new cathedrals. The turbine hall of Tate Modern, London is awe-inspiring.
Closer to home, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Hepworth Museum have beautiful and spacious galleries, lit by natural light.
Art galleries can be places of spiritual exploration and refreshment.
When I worked in an art gallery in Bristol, we created a Sculpture Trail in the Forest of Dean. Alongside Peter Randall-Page and David Nash we installed a work by Kevin Atherton entitled 'Cathedral'. This was a large stained glass window measuring 5 by 10 metres drawing attention to the cathedral-like columns of the trees and the forest hush. Despite its fragility, the window still hangs there, 24 years later. The sculpture draws attention to the spiritual experience many people have walking in the landscape where the solemnity of the forest, the immensity of moorland, sea and sky gives us an apprehension of God's presence.
Recently on holiday in Pembrokeshire, we were able to enjoy walking along sheer cliffs. We worshipped in St David's Cathedral, where we heard transcendent music.
Cathedrals still have a vital role to play in city centres, providing an oasis of creativity and calm in busy lives, witnessing to the glory of God. Let me encourage you to see the sculptures of David Nash at the YSP, to visit the Hepworth Museum when it opens, and to spend time in Wakefield Cathedral or your local church. There is value in exploring the cathedrals of Nature, Art and Worship, as God's Spirit moves through all three.
Rupert Martin, Vicar of Sandal, Walton and Portobello
Churches Together are at www.wdco.org/site/Churches-Together-in-
Wakefield
Pilgrim's Progress is edited by Nick Shields
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Friday 25 May 2012
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