Images: William Pye, font for Salisbury Cathedral (x3); Alison Wilding, Font, 2008 at Lumen; Portsmouth cathedral font; Chichester Cathedral font with baptism painting by Hans Feibusch
Have you ever thought about the design of a font? What imagery is used, what shape and size? Where should it be placed and what’s around it? This event will explore the ritual and visual significance of Baptism.
Our two speakers will be:
Chris Irvine, theologian and liturgist: Enlightened at the font: seeing the meaning of baptism
William Pye, artist and creator of the Salisbury Cathedral font: Water as an artist’s medium
Chaired by Novelette Stewart, Conservator, and member of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and a trustee of A+C
This event is part of a series of talks and events in which we take a detailed view of the elements of water and light in art and religious ritual as well as theological reflections on art inspired by the sea and sky.
Chris Irvine
About Chris Irvine
Theologian and liturgist.
He has a particular interest in the relationship between liturgy and art, and in sacred space.
About William Pye
William Pye started his career as a sculptor working mainly in stainless steel and cast bronze, and since the nineteen eighties water has become an integral element of most of his work.
He is inspired by the extraordinary qualities of water and fascinated by the natural laws of hydrostatics and how these can be manipulated. His work is found in public places, private gardens and corporate clients internationally.
Willliam Pye
Book your space…
About the ‘Water and light’ series
Water and light are infinitely fascinating to the human eye and deeply embedded in art and culture throughout time and across continents. In Biblical narratives, water and light are repeatedly referenced as an elemental force that creates dynamic change; they hold a resonant symbolism within religious ritual; and in the face of climate change and global migration they have lately accreted a new potency as signifiers of stewardship and compassion.
In this new series of talks and events, we’ll be taking a detailed view of the elements of water and light in religious art as well as theological reflections on works of art inspired by the sea and sky.