Exhibitions
Bath Abbey Diptychs
Start date: Saturday, April 6th 2013End date: Thursday, October 31st 2013
Sue Symon's masterpiece 'One Man's Journey to Heaven', also known as the Bath Abbey Diptychs, is an awe-inspiring work of art and craft. The life of Christ is depicted in thirty-five pairs of sumptuously decorated panels; a combination of needlework, hand-drawn lettering, illumination and calligraphy. The Diptychs are on display every year from February half-term until the Autumn half-term.
Please note it is advisable to check in advance if you wish to view the complete set of Diptychs as access can sometimes be limited by services and events.
Think Different
Start date: Tuesday, May 14th 2013 (All day)End date: Monday, May 20th 2013 (All day)
Join us once again from Tuesday 14 May to Monday 20 May for this vibrant annual exhibition of art works including animation, photography and creative writing by people currently being supported by the homelessness charities in Bath.
Each year the variety and quality of the exhibits surprises, delights and challenges us to consider the reality of each individual’s circumstances, potential, and above all, our own perceptions of the homeless and vulnerable among us.
This year, once the exhibition ends at the Abbey, it will be shown at a second venue at Stall Street as part of Bath Fringe Festival, the city’s only visual arts festival.
‘Think Different’ is a joint project between Bath Abbey and seven Bath homeless and housing organisations: Big Issue, DHI (Developing Health and Independence), Handy Help, Julian House, Genesis Trust, Shape Housing and Stonham Housing.
Hospitality
Start date: Tuesday, June 4th 2013End date: Friday, June 28th 2013
The exhibition (from Tuesday 4 June to Friday 28 June) brings together works that critically engage with the theme of ‘Hospitality’ and are inspired by, and in dialogue with, the contemporary life of Bath Abbey.
Most of the artists make ceramic based work that has a recognisably utilitarian function or a sculptural presence. The aim is to stage and embed these works amongst the daily activity of worship and welcoming visitors and for the artwork to become a part of this activity.
The artists will explore the theme of ‘Hospitality’ in overt or more poetic ways recognising that the Abbey is at the heart of community life and has remained so through the changes that have taken place in the ways that people live, work and worship. In this way we hope to heighten an awareness of the act of hospitality and welcome, and make visible or magnify – unspoken inner experiences of encounter and exchange.
‘Hospitality’ is more than an exhibition, it is an essential part of a larger project looking at how visual art, in sacred space can critically raise awareness of - space of refuge, space for devotion, common ground and understanding. There will also be an accompanying education programme.
The project is a partnership between the Abbey and Bath Spa University and will be accompanied by a publication which will include texts by Alan Garrow, the Abbey’s Vicar Theologian, Professor Mike Tooby of Bath School of Art & Design, Bath Spa University, and Claire Todd, artist and the project curator.
All 12 participating artists are current students, alumni or staff of Bath School of Art and Design, Bath Spa University: Dan Allen, Kateland Clark, David Cushway, Marc Le Galle, Carole Pearson, Sarah Purvey, Lyn Snow, Andrew Temple-Smith, Jo Taylor, Claire Todd, Jane Turner, Kate Wilson and Richard Winfield.
Limited editions of the ‘Hospitality’ publication will be available to purchase from the Abbey Shop.
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