Discover where sacred architecture meets contemporary art on this immersive weekend retreat in West Yorkshire, hosted by Art+Christianity. Join acclaimed curator Frère Marc Chauveau, Brother George Guiver CR, and trustees (past and present!) Dr Siobhán Jolley, Revd Canon Charles Pickstone, and Canon Christopher Irvine as we explore the rich dialogue between faith and creativity. From Chauveau’s pioneering work curating exhibitions at Le Corbusier’s La Tourette to Br George’s reflections on the evolving art commissions at Mirfield, the weekend offers deep insight into how sacred spaces and contemporary artists continue to shape and transform one another.
Guided visits include the award-winning Stanbrook Abbey, Wakefield Cathedral, The Hepworth Wakefield, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Set against the rhythm of monastic prayer and framed by thoughtful talks and shared meals, this is a rare opportunity to reflect, encounter, and be inspired in the company of artists, theologians, and fellow travellers.
PROGRAMME
Optional Start: Friday 19 September, 11am-3pm, Yorkshire Sculpture Park tour: £30 (includes the entry fee to YSP).
This doesn't include transport to YSP or Mirfield. Please let us know if you're coming by train and we will try to arrange a lift for you.
Friday, 5.30pm in the large lecture hall of the College of the Resurrection
A lecture by Fr Marc Chauveau: Contemporary Art and Religious Architecture
Since 2009, Fr Marc Chauveau has curated many contemporary art exhibitions at the Priory of La Tourette near Lyon – built by Le Corbusier – offering a rare opportunity to explore the relationship between contemporary creativity and religious architecture.
Each year contemporary artists were invited by Fr Marc to establish a dialogue between their works and that of Le Corbusier.
The lecture is followed by a supper at 6.45pm in the New Refectory and drinks until 9pm.
Compline at 9.15pm (optional).
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Mattins at 6.45am on Saturday (optional)
On Saturday morning we’ll be looking at the recent art commissions of the Chapel in a guided walk with Br George Guiver.
After a picnic lunch on the coach, we’ll look around the new Stanbrook Abbey followed by a short walk outside, before heading to Ampleforth Church to look particularly at the Reyntiens/Piper windows.
Compline at 9.15pm (optional)
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On Sunday, attendees are invited to join Mattins at 7.30am followed by Mass at 8am. We’ll travel by train or car to Wakefield to visit the Hepworth Gallery, followed by a picnic lunch, then a guided tour of Wakefield Cathedral.
Choral evensong at 3.30pm at the Cathedral will end the day.
SPEAKERS
Frère Marc Chauveau, Dominican and art historian, has lived for 20 years in the priory of La Tourette, built by Le Corbusier in the Lyon region of France. Since 2009, he curated regular exhibitions at the priory, inviting contemporary artists to establish a dialogue between their works and those of Le Corbusier.
Frère Marc now lives at Couvent de l’Annonciation in Paris.
Frère Marc Chauveau. Picture by Jean Simar.
Br George Guiver CR
Br George Guiver CR
George Guiver grew up in Leicester, studied Music, taught in Italy, and after nine years in parish ministry and liturgical studies in Germany, joined the Community of the Resurrection in 1983. He has taught liturgy at Mirfield and the University of Leeds and has written various books on liturgy and prayer. Read more about George Guiver. His latest book: All Christians Are Monks: The Monastery, the Parish and the Renewal of the Church
TRANSPORT
Attendees are asked to make their own travels arrangements to Mirfield on Friday. For those joining the YSP tour on Friday, please let us know if you're coming by train and we will try to arrange a lift for you from Wakefield to YSP then Mirfield.
Transport on Saturday will be provided by coach from and back to Mirfield.
On Sunday, we’ll travel from Mirfield to Wakefield by train (or drive your own car).
ACCOMMODATION COSTS (which includes all meals)
Friday & Saturday accommodation - single room: £153 (£76.5 per night)
Friday & Saturday accommodation - double room: £268 (£134 per night)
If you're considering extending your stay, the guesthouse at Mirfield is happy for you to approach them directly guests@mirfield.org.uk. Subject to availability.
Please email admin@artandchristianity.org for more information.
OTHER COSTS
Friday - Yorkshire Sculpture Park tour - 11am-3pm: £30 (includes the entry fee to YSP).
This doesn't include transport to YSP or Mirfield. Please let us know if you're coming by train and we will try to arrange a lift for you.
Friday evening only - lecture by Fr Marc Chauveau with drinks and dinner: £35.
Full weekend (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday): member £190; non member £230.
Saturday only (Mirfield Chapel + Stanbrook Abbey + Ampleforth Church): member £78; non-member £98. This includes transport by coach from and back to Mirfield.
Sunday only (Hepworth + Wakefield Cathedral): member £78; non-member £98.
PAYMENT
As we're offering several options for participating in the weekend, we’ve decided to invoice participants. Please fill out this form to receive a quote.
