Cathedrals. The gift that just keeps giving

Summer in our cathedrals … you want more? You’ve got it!

Science and creation – the theme for summer 2021 in our cathedrals. 

Lichfield Cathedral has just launched its summer programme inspired by science and the people behind it.

There’s a special display in the cathedral of the Pioneers of Science that highlights eight people who have done extraordinary things to help us understand our world and further human capacity to work with nature and human society.

There’s an installation, Laboratory which features a large-scale illuminated DNA structure and visitors are invited to leave their thoughts and ideas about what scientific discoveries they have found to be important and what inventions might make the world a better place.

The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, said:

“A laboratory is a place for observation, recording, experimentation and research, allowing us to appreciate the intricacy of the world around us. 

“We hold this exhibition in the wake of the global pandemic, and want our visitors to reflect what scientific discoveries they have found to be important and what future developments and inventions might make the world a better place.”

And The Great Exhibition returns to the cathedral and this year it’s all about Science. This immersive sound and light art installation by artistic collaboration, Luxmuralis, will transform the thirty-eight metres of the Cathedral’s Nave interpreting the whole sweep of science and opens on 19 August. Book here.

Salisbury Cathedral has launched its summer visitor programme with daily experiences and demonstrations which include demonstrations of the medieval clock, and a chance to watch and chat to the Cathedral’s heritage craftsmen and women as they work in the Cloisters.

Photo: Ash Mills

And next week sees the opening of Threads Through Creation by Devon based artist Jacqui Parkinson. Eight million stitches make up of 12 enormous embroidery panels – some as large as 8ft x11ft – stitched onto antique bedsheets. The embroidery depicts different stages in the creation of the world using stitching, layers of silk, quilting, applique and specially dyed fabric.  Matching QR codes allow visitors to listen to the poetic biblical excerpts, while looking at the work that illustrates them.

Photo: Jacqui Parkinson

Children’s Weaving Workshops inspired by the exhibition are available throughout August, and Tower Tours are back from Monday 16 August – though limited to keep social distance.

Find out more here.

Durham Cathedral has announced its summer programme with museum tours that bring the cathedral’s stories to life, including what life was like for the monks who once lived here. There is a  stone carving workshop, a history walk and family bat watch.  There’s an organ recital series and outdoor tours on weekdays throughout August.

Light, an immersive art installation by artist Chris Levine, can be experienced in Durham’s Galilee chapel until 5 September which bathes visitors in coloured light accompanied by site specific choral music as they are invited to follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims.

Visit the Durham Cathedral website for more info.

And in September, Durham will host Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon in the nave until 11 November. There is a moon-themed programme of events to accompany the installation, including late night openings, cathedral tours with a twist, star gazing, half term activities and worship events. Check on Durham’s website for more details and advanced booking availability.