Story Chair unveiled in Newcastle Cathedral

A unique “Story Chair” that brings together women’s experiences of the criminal justice system and shares their stories has gone on display in the crypt of Newcastle Cathedral.

“This project has been the most extraordinary journey. A reminder too of what cathedrals can do beyond simply hosting but reaching out and facilitating partnerships.” Revd Peter Dobson, Newcastle Cathedral.

“Story Chair” at Newcastle Cathedral

The ‘Story Chair’ is the focal point of an innovative collaborative project between Changing Lives, the national social justice charity, Northumbria University’s School of Design, Newcastle Cathedral and the North East Probation Service.

The project saw 50 women from Newcastle, Ashington, North Tyneside and Sunderland join in eight weeks of workshops, honing storytelling and craft skills to illustrate their experiences – many marked by domestic violence and trauma.

The result is the “Story Chair’ crafted by carpenter Nick James who worked alongside the women to incorporate their narrative into the chair, and as visitors enter the crypt they will encounter three “whispering trees”.

The project aims to highlight the fact that many women in the criminal justice system, return to oppressive and exploitative environments, which leads to recurring offending.

The Revd Peter Dobson, Newcastle Cathedral’s Canon for Outreach and Discipleship, said:

“The chair serves as a symbol for us in the Church of what happens when we take notice of who is not around us, when we own up to the behaviour which has been excluded or marginalised, and when we commit to ‘being with’ as opposed to ‘doing to’ one another.

“This project has been the most extraordinary journey. A reminder too of what cathedrals can do beyond simply hosting but reaching out and facilitating partnerships.”

The Cathedral’s Revd Jon Canessa who heads up the Lantern Initiative, which takes inspiration from the Cathedral’s iconic Lantern Tower to be a beacon of light for those more vulnerable, said:

“When they visited, the women were captivated by the Cathedral’s crypt, asking if they could use it as a place to share their stories so that others might better understand their experiences.”

“We hope the “Story Chair” will ensure the inspiring, humbling and powerful stories of these women are heard and celebrated.”

The “Story Chair” will remain at Newcastle Cathedral until the end of September before starting its tour and moving on to the National Trust property at Seaton Delaval Hall.