Salisbury Cathedral is centre of attention
In less than a month, a large and exquisite piece of modern religious art has undoubtedly become the centre of attention for visitors to one of Britain’s greatest and most iconic buildings. The contemporary sculpture in question is the new font, installed at the end of September at Salisbury Cathedral. One of the most significant additions to the fabric of an English Cathedral in recent years - and probably the largest piece of modern art to be installed within a medieval cathedral - the font was designed by William Pye, Britain’s most distinguished water sculptor, who hopes that “it will be seen as something timeless that has been absorbed naturally into the fabric of this great building, becoming an integral part of the cathedral and its history.”
Already viewed as ‘a modern treasure’, Salisbury Cathedral’s new font can be seen in its full beauty in the centre of the main nave – gently overflowing with water from its four corners whilst, at the same time, reflecting the majestic stature of the famous Cathedral’s 750 year old architecture in its perfectly smooth, still surface. From the first moment it was filled with water, visitors have been struck by its beauty and already the Cathedral is welcoming visitors who have made a special journey to Salisbury to see it for themselves, amazed at how the reflections change with the light and different times of day.
The font was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a special service on 28 September as the highlight of the Cathedral’s 750th anniversary celebrations when two infants were baptized. Cruciform in shape, and with a three metre span to allow for total immersion baptism, it is a beautiful green patinated bronze vessel with a Purbeck Freestone plinth and brown patinated bronze grating.
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, who over the last decade has championed the need for a new permanent font in the cathedral, is overwhelmed by Pye’s creation. “It is fantastic. Now we see it in its permanent position in the middle of our magnificent medieval cathedral, it is even more beautiful than we could have imagined. It is so right for the building, a real 21st century treasure, both contemporary and timeless.”
Simon Tait, Arts journalist and author, said, “... this font is probably William’s most important piece to date, not just for where it is but for the way he uses his artist’s eye to make it do the job it does.” For William Packer, Artist and FT Art Critic 1974 – 2004, “This font is simply a masterpiece.”
Salisbury Cathedral welcomes a quarter of a million visitors each year from across the UK and the world. It is open from 7.15am – 6.15pm daily (7.15pm June – August). Recommended viewing times for visitors on Sundays are 12.30pm – 2.30pm or after 4pm. The Cathedral operates a voluntary donation scheme for all visitors to help cover day to day running costs.
