I spied this hanging at an exhibition of international textile artists in the Lake District a couple of weeks back: Roublev-style angels interpreted in quilting and machine embroidery. Unfortunately I managed to cut the artist's name off in my photograph and now can't remember the surname, which was Russian. There was a lot of text used in the design, but it didn't help me decide what the hanging 'meant' or why icons were the subject of it.
This exquisite interior is St Stephen's Walbrook, a Wren church in the heart of the City of London. The Society of Catholic Artists have an exhibition there until 27th November. and I am lucky to have my icons in the perfect spot next to the original altar. The light was pouring through the windows above, hence the grainy photograph. The church deserves a visit even if you are not purchasing art. The eighteenth century box pews have been replaced with a magnificent altar sculpture by Henry Moore, making a church 'in the round'. It is surrounded by tapestry kneelers designed by abstract artist Patrick Heron, which remind me of Matisse's papercuts. Some magnificent paintings for sale in the show, in all styles from figurative to abstract and in all sizes from a few inches (mine!) to an eighteen foot triptych. Open weekdays 10 till 4, and at weekends during services. Nearest tube Bank or Cannon Street.
It is time I advertised this exhibition so that everyone can get the date into their diaries. This is an opportunity to see (and buy!) icons of many different styles - Byzantine, Russian, Coptic, Italianate: mainly panel paintings but past exhibitions have included bronzes, embroidery, marouflage and mosaic. There are lectures, events and services planned during the week, full details on the BAI website here (scroll down to E-bulletin no 10). St Saviour's is a fine Gothic Revival pile, and practically next door to Pimlico tube station. Handy for Tate Britain too, if you want to get full value from a train fare to London!
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January 2024
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