Norwich Cathedral’s beginnings as a Benedictine monastery continue to inspire life at the Cathedral in the 21st century, and a new open-air art exhibition the Benedictine Art Project, explores the Cathedral’s Benedictine heritage past and present through a series of specially commissioned installations.
Three artists have teamed up with three local charities to create the artworks which reflect the Benedictine themes of healing and wholeness, hospitality and contemplative learning.
A large abstract recreation of the Church of St Ethelbert draped in the cloak of St Martin can be found in Almary Green, close to the Ethelbert Gate entrance to the Cathedral Close. Entitled the Cloak of St Martin, the work is a collaboration between artist Hardy Gru and local homelessness charity St Martins.
Outside the Hostry, visitors will see two old doors transformed into a tabletop covered with plates featuring recipes from around the world. The Hospitality of Abraham was the idea of artist Deborah Tompsett who has worked with English+, a Norwich-based charity helping those who are starting new lives in the city.
Completing the trio of works is The Light Comes from All Sides, an installation in the Cloister which has been created by artist Lily Bunney and Diocese of Norwich schools. Here ancient book cupboards, once used by the Benedictine monks, have been decorated with stained glass inspired by the Cloister and the medieval roof bosses which adorn the ancient architecture.
The Benedictine Art Project in the Cathedral Close is free and Norwich Cathedral’s Benedictine heritage explored in new outdoor exhbition. runs until Autumn 2026. It has been designed to complement Living by the Rule an exhibition taking place at the Sainsbury Centre which reflects on the enduring influence of St Benedict.
All photos courtesy of Bill Smith, Norwich Cathedral.