TWO specially commissioned artworks have been installed in the brand new entrance of Church House, Westminster, marking the completion of a two-year refurbishment project (News, 10 June 2022).
The Manchester artist Liz West has created Ever Flowing Reflection, a light-weight installation on the central staircase, which may be seen from the reception rooms adjoining the Assembly Hall Chamber, on the centre of the constructing. They were created using greater than 200 circular mirrors of colored acrylic in 15 colors, reflecting color and lightweight across the space.
Two biblical texts were suggested to the artist to encourage the work: Amos 5.24: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream”; and John 4.10, wherein “The gift of living water is promised by Jesus to the Samaritan woman.”
Tom BirdEver Flowing Reflection by Liz West
A spokesperson for Church House said: “Channelling these texts, the artwork goals to encourage conversation about hope and justice in our world.”
Three paintings by the Danish artist Alexander Tovborg, who lives and works in Copenhagen, at the moment are hanging in the doorway lobby. The series was painted earlier this yr with the foyer in mind, and its title, Madonna of the Spice, is described as carrying associations with “offerings, anointing oils and incense, in addition to evoking a way of transcendence, peace and spiritual awakening”.
Mr Tovborg is thought for incorporating motifs and symbols from Christianity. His past works have explored the adolescence of Jesus Christ, the primary meeting of Adam and Eve, and the wedding of heaven and hell. He also often creates series, depicting a repeated image or motif using different color palettes.
The chief executive of the Corporation of the Church House, Stephanie Maurel, said that she was “thrilled” with the commissions by artists with “a track record of working sensitively in religious settings. . . The artworks animate the constructing in inspiring and imaginative ways, bringing latest color, light and vibrancy for visitors, delegates and regular users of the constructing to enjoy.”
The constructing, which dates from 1940, is adjoining to Westminster Abbey, and offers 22,000 square feet of floor space. Besides housing the Church of England’s central administration, including the offices of the Church Commissioners, the Archbishops’ Council, and the Pensions Board, and being the General Synod’s London meeting place, it hires out space for conferences and events. It can also be home to the offices of the diocese in Europe, and to Church House Bookshop, each of that are expected to maneuver to latest locations within the constructing.
Listed-building consent was granted for the refurbishment, geared toward increasing income from outside tenancies and improving the constructing’s carbon footprint.
