Vessel was a curated art trail in remote rural churches near the Black Mountains between Usk and Hay-on-Wye. Seven artworks by seven artists were shown in seven churches, six of which are maintained by the Friends of Friendless Churches who keep them open all year round. The theme of ‘vessel’ references bodies, boats, secretions and receptacles; each of the artworks was sited in a particular relationship to the church and its materials.

The exhibition was open from early August to late October 2024, ensuring the optimum season for visitors to the churches. It created a memorable and unique placement of art within a conjunction of landscape and architecture that is often overlooked and brought artists of international reputation to an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Exhibition dates: 8 August – 31 October 2024

Churches:
St Michael and All Angels', Gwernesney
St Cadoc, Llangattock Vibon Avel, Monmouthshire
St Mary the Virgin, Llanfair Kilgeddin, Monmouthshire
St Jerome, Llangwm Uchaf, Monmouthshire
St David, Llangeview, Monmouthshire
Castle Chapel, Urishay, Herefordshire
Dore Abbey, Herefordshire

Artists:
Lou Baker
Barbara Beyer
Andrew Bick
Lucy Glendinning
Robert George
Jane Sheppard
Steinunn Thorarinsdottir

A live art performance by Holly Slingsby also took place at St Mary’s Abergavenny on 15 September 2025.

Vessel was curated by Jacquiline Creswell for A+C.
Our Community Coordinator for Vessel was Julia Porter Pryce.

Vessel was kindly supported by the Gibbs Trust and the Morel Trust.