This autumn, we will welcome Luke Jerram’s dramatic installation, Mars, to the Cathedral. Known as the Planet of War, the juxtaposition of this impressive piece within our building of sanctuary is a fascinating one. On this year’s International Day of Peace, we reflect on the themes of war and peace.
War
As a Cathedral with nearly 950 years of history behind it, war is not an unfamiliar concept. Its walls have borne witness to many battles, including desecration during the Reformation in 1538, destruction at the hands of parliamentarians during the English Civil War in 1642, and of course the impact both The Great War and World War II had on the city of Chichester during the first half of the twentieth century.
Peace
The Cathedral has three military chapels, each dedicated to different branches of the armed forces, serving as places of worship and remembrance. St. George’s Chapel, dedicated in 1921, honours the men of the Royal Sussex Regiment who lost their lives in the First World War. Behind the altar, oak panels bear the names, ranks and battalions of the fallen, a powerful testament to their sacrifice. The Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels, dedicated in 1956 in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, commemorates Sussex sailors who perished in both World Wars. It houses two historic White Ensigns from surrendered German ships and a silver bell, gifted by the people of Sussex. The more recent Chapel of St. Clement, dedicated in 2006, pays tribute to the Royal Air Force personnel, especially those who served at the fourteen RAF aerodromes in Sussex during the Second World War.
Against the backdrop of Mars, these chapels offer quiet spaces to reflect on the profound costs of conflict and the enduring hope for peace.
Mars will conclude on Remembrance Sunday. Our Act of Remembrance at 10.55am on Sunday 10th November, will be our final service beneath the installation, a poignant setting as we remember all those who have lost their lives to war.
Sanctuary
For hundreds of years the Cathedral has provided a sanctuary to those who seek it. Scattered throughout the Cathedral are treasures that tell these stories – artworks and memorials created by, or in honour of, individuals who sought solace here. For example, The Baptism of Christ is a painting by Hans Feibusch, a German artist of Jewish heritage who fled his homeland for Britain in 1933 when the Nazi party came to power. Also displayed in our Northern Chapel is The Refugee, a sculpture by Diana Brandenburger, an artist who spent years working as an Art Therapist for a human rights organisation. The sculpture, influenced by the suffering of individuals and families persecuted around the world, invites quiet reflection and empathy.
Journey under Mars
To this day, our team is dedicated to ensuring that everyone feels welcome to experience sanctuary and peace within the Cathedral walls. In a time marked by wars and unrest across the world, finding peace can be challenging.
Our Spiritual Trail, inspired by the installation, also gives visitors the opportunity to reflect, meditate and connect through a series of thoughtfully curated reflection points.
The exhibition will be open daily, Monday – Saturday from 9.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday 12.30pm – 2.30pm. Entry is by donation. Ticketed Evening Viewings will take place on selected dates throughout the exhibition period. Click here for more information.
Header image: Dave Parry PA