The work of artist and poet William Morris is being celebrated at Bradford Cathedral with an unusual exhibition which includes an ‘electro-acoustic soundscape’ as well as paintings inspired by William Morris by contemporary landscape artist Andy Fullalove.
Yorkshire based artist, Andy, has teamed up with Monty Adkins, a contemporary composer and Professor of Experimental Electronic Music at the University of Huddersfield in a project to celebrate the restoration of the Cathedral’s hand embroidered William Morris altar frontal textile.
After being invited by Bradford Cathedral to create a response to the William Morris altar frontal, along with a William Morris stained glass window, Andy has created a series of paintings reflecting the themes and colours of the altar piece.
The William Morris altarpiece frontal has not been on display in living memory and was restored by Cheshire-based textile restoration expert Jacqui Hyman.The altar piece, soundscape, and three large paintings are on display in the Lady Chapel, with other paintings dotted around the Cathedral and the full collection will be on display at the Cathedral until Sunday, October 30.
Andy said creating the paintings and music piece has been a fascinating journey. “I was particularly struck by the quality of the William Morris altarpiece. The colours are incredibly vivid and the lyricism and religiosity of the piece, reflecting the cycle of life and nature were instantly inspiring.
“Working with such an important piece has made me bring new imagery into my work that I wouldn’t usually use. I’ve enjoyed the process of reacting to Monty’s music while I paint and Monty has been looking at my paintings while he composes.”
Maggie Peel, chairman of art space at the cathedral, said the exhibition was highly significant for the cathedral. “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the installation of our restored William Morris altar frontal with two other highly significant and complimentary artistic offerings in the form of Andy’s paintings and Monty’s soundscape.
“The frontal hasn’t been seen in place on the High Altar in living memory and to be able to enhance it with contemporary Art will truly transform Bradford Cathedral’s Lady Chapel.”