Sara Shamma, has been commissioned to produce a collection of paintings featuring Saint Wilfrid, who founded the cathedral, and his contemporaries. These paintings will be hanged in the nave and go on display to lead people into the cathedral’s Anglo Saxon crypt – the last remains of the church Wilfrid founded on the site in 672, and the oldest surviving building in any English Cathedral.
The anniversary display is called ‘From Rome to Ripon’ and it will include works by painters Sara Shamma and Jack Chesterman, sound artist Paul Baily and poet Olivia Mulligan.
‘From Rome to Ripon’ is a partnership between Ripon Cathedral and Art in the Churches, an award-winning charity that aims to bring major contemporary art into rural churches to reposition them as the beating heart of their communities. It will be on display at the cathedral from May 27 until November 1.
Chris Baily, Producer of Art in the Churches said: “We are very fortunate to be able to include artist Sara Shamma, whose dynamic portraiture is internationally acclaimed, Shamma, re-imagines Saint Wilfrid along with his patron, Queen Eanfled, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Theodore of Tarsus, in three dramatic portraits to be hung in the nave. This is a ground-breaking and awe-inspiring art spectacular that will bring Wilfrid to life in a way never before witnessed.”
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, said: “To reimagine this sacred space with new artworks from such a wide range of renowned artists, each working in different ways, is a fitting tribute to our founding father, Wilfrid.”