One of the nation’s most important collections of modern Christian art will be on display at Bath Abbey from now until 30th October, featuring over 30 different pieces of work.
The Methodist Modern Art Collection is a unique collection of Christian art which has toured the UK and abroad since its inception over 40 years ago.
There are over 33 works on show in the Abbey, including some by well-known artists such as Graham Sutherland, Elisabeth Frink, William Roberts and Patrick Heron.
The pictures depict scenes from the life and teaching of Christ including ‘The Feeding of the 5,000’ by John Reilly and ‘The Washing of the Feet’ by Ghislaine Howard. Some artists were or are Christians, others not.
Revd Stephen Girling, a Vicar at Bath Abbey who helped bring the exhibition to Bath, said: “This exhibition will surprise a lot of people.
“We’ve called it ‘Fully Alive’ as our aim is to give people the opportunity to explore what it means to be ‘Fully Alive’ in the Christian sense. The artworks, contemporary in look and feel, offer new perspectives and insights into some of the most influential aspects of Jesus’ life and teachings.
“They illustrate what being ‘Fully Alive’ looks like in the person of Christ.
“We hope as many people as possible come to see this exhibition. It truly is inspiring seeing these amazing pictures in the Abbey’s beautiful setting. The exhibition is supported by a series of talks and trained volunteers from the Bath area will be on hand to answer any questions visitors may have.”
The Methodist art collection is now looked after by trustees with the aim of enabling people to explore Christian faith and teachings through the medium of art.
The ‘Fully Alive’ exhibition is free to visit and open during Bath Abbey’s usual opening hours.
For further information on the exhibition and accompanying talks, visit: www.bathabbey.org/fullyalive.
