Bath Abbey has said it will continue to display its unique Nativity exhibit, designed by local students, until Candlemas on Thursday 2nd February, as though Christmas Day is now over, it does not mean the Nativity scene has been forgotten.
Last year the Abbey ran a competition with Bath Spa University to create a Nativity with a difference for the Abbey’s beautiful Birde Chapel.
Because the Abbey attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world, they wanted a three dimensional -artwork that would communicate the Christmas story to an international audience and that would work within the space of a chapel principally dedicated to private prayer.
First, second and third year students from Bath Spa University’s Three Dimensional Design course competed in teams to design a contemporary artwork for display in the Abbey’s Birde Chapel.
The chosen winner, ‘Nativity Mobile’ presents the characters of the Nativity story and their relationships with one another and with Christ at the centre. It is in the form of a mobile, with suspended, gently moving figures.
Stephen Girling, one of Bath Abbey’s vicars, said: “We have been delighted to be part of this partnership with Bath Spa University and have been very impressed with the way the students have very creatively responded to the challenge.
“All five entries which were presented to a team from the Abbey were all really strong in their own way. Students, some of whom were amazed for the first time by the beauty of the Christmas story, chose a wide variety of materials and methods.
“We chose the winning piece, ‘Nativity Mobile’ as it surprised, captivated and inspired us.”
Charlotte Evans, one of the winning students from Bath Spa University, said: “We all really enjoyed working with the Abbey and finding out more about the story of Christ being born.
“It was a real challenge to capture the Nativity story in a physical form especially as it is received individually and is unique to each person. As a group, we felt an abstract aesthetic would work best and would allow modern contemporary audiences to engage with it on a personal level.
“The installation day was a proud moment for us, when we finished and saw the Mobile moving in the Abbey’s Birde Chapel, it felt surreal. It created a wonderful atmosphere and complemented the space beautifully.”
Julia Keyte, Course Leader, Three Dimensional Design, at Bath Spa University said: “The Mobile Nativity is conceptually based upon movement, both metaphorical and physical. It is a kinetic sculpture that is linked to birth and delicately responds and acknowledges presence of people in the space.
“The aesthetic is symbolic of the story of the nativity and visually represents the story as more than the birth of a child, it is the birth of a new era and infinite meaning to many people.
“The work demonstrates how a traditional story can be modern and allows the various cultures that visit the Abbey to identify and resonate with the scene.”
The exhibit was installed just before Christmas and will be in place until Candlemas, Thursday 2nd February.
Bath Abbey is open seven days a week for visiting (Mondays 9.30-5.30pm, Tuesdays 9am-5.30pm, Saturdays 9am-6pm and Sundays 1-2.30pm and 4.30-5.30pm) with regular services on weekdays and Sundays.