VISION FOR THE PILLARS Commissioning New Art for Churches 2012 Competition Submission of The Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth Vision for the Pillars PREFACE - CATCHING THE VISION Do you wish to set out on the adventure of commissioning new art? (Commissioning New Art for Churches, page3) When we responded to the invitation to compete for the Jerusalem Prize we had little idea how exciting an adventure it was to be: from deciding what was going to be our project to completing this stage of the competition, we have discovered so much, met so many interesting people and engaged in processes completely new to us. It has been a roller coaster of a learning experience – and in no small part the Guide has done what its producers aimed to do; stimulated and encouraged us in “a process that has been both enjoyable and rewarding”. From simply considering a sculpture on two pillars at the entrance to a newly acquired space in front of the church, we have come to realise the significance of the space itself as an interface between our bustling City Centre and the church building. From rather modest expectations of a work in metal, in the light of our research on public art, both in our own City and further afield, we have raised our sights expecting that what we achieve will be an iconic work of art, in a material determined by the commissioned artist, to compare in importance with the John Piper windows, which enhance our church in its post-war restoration. We are confident that when we make known our brief, interest will not be limited to local artists. Along the way we have appreciated the guidance and involvement of officers from Plymouth’s City Council, in particular from the Public Art Officer and the Community Planning and Partnership Co-ordinator. Their enthusiasm has been overwhelming, which, along with the encouragement of others who are detailed within this document, has affirmed us in our mission! Alun Hughes, Co-ordinator of the Commissioning Group September 2012 Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth page 2 page 2 Vision for the Pillars P A R T 1 – THE PROCESS 1. The Minster Church The Minster Church of St. Andrew is the historic parish church in the centre of Plymouth. The first known vicar dates from 1087, and over the years the church has been associated with notable local figures from Francis Drake to Francis Chichester. It has the distinction of being the largest parish church in Devon, the present building dating from C13-C15 and constructed of local limestone with granite dressings. The city endured heavy bombing during the Second World War and in 1941 the church was burnt out and left as a roofless shell. The next day a wooden board was placed over the north door on which was painted the word RESURGAM (‘I will rise again’) a motto which was taken to heart by local people in those difficult days. After some years as a garden church, the restored St. Andrew’s was reconsecrated in 1957. In the 1960’s John Piper designed six spectacular stained glass windows which now add colour and beauty to the ancient building. The Bishop of Exeter recently designated the church as one of the new urban Minsters in response to the City Council’s petition that noted the “remarkable inspiration” of the church’s Resurgam motto during the last war and the “very great esteem in which this Church and its record of service is held by the City of Plymouth”. St. Andrew’s continues as an active and well attended parish church in the heart of the city with the stated concern “to live for, worship and proclaim Jesus Christ in the life of the city and beyond”. 2. The Commissioning Group The Commissioning Group is an eclectic mix of people who were invited to take part for the duration of the competition. Most are retired and all have not been involved in commissioning art before. Therefore the Group sought to be advised by specialists working in this area. Richard Wood, a lecturer at the Plymouth College of Art, was approached by the Chair to visit the Group at the site to help with the “Expression of Interest” submission. He was able to enlighten the group in the aspects of commissioning a public work of art specific to our vision. Once we learnt that we had progressed to Stage 2 of the competition, Hannah Sloggett and Jodie Bishop, from Plymouth City Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth page 3 page 3 Vision for the Pillars Council, became involved and proved to be very helpful in advising the group in its work. The individual members of the Church Members commissioning Alun Hughes Chair group need to be Jim Black Secretary allocated specific Nikki Duncan Legal roles to spread the responsibility. While Arnold Melhuish Artist it is important that Nick McKinnel (Prebendary) Theology one person is Fran Styring Education appointed the main David Kay Research point of contact, ensure they do not Consultants become the lynchpin, in case of Richard Wood Lecturer (PAC) & Creative Metal a change of Worker circumstances. Hannah Sloggett Community Planning & Partnerships Coordinator Jodie Bishop Public Art Officer Tim Williams Civil Engineer Brief details of meetings can be found in Sections 6 & 8, and minutes of meetings are given in appendix D. 3. The Vision and its theological themes The Group set out to commission an architectural site-specific public artwork to adorn existing pillars. The proposed artwork would be displayed at the entrance to a newly acquired publicly accessible space in front of the church. This new work of art will reflect the unique position of St Andrew’s as the Minster Church of Plymouth; its history; its mission; its inspiration; and its future. Saint Andrew Your theological and liturgical Recognise the fact that the building is dedicated to Andrew, one of themes should be set Jesus’ disciples, and that Andrew was a fisherman. out clearly and concisely, but avoid Historic Christian faith swamping the artist with words – leave Make a statement of the lasting presence of historic Christian faith sufficient space for through St Andrew’s Church within the City since 1087. interpretation. Resurgam Respond to the symbolism of "Resurgam" (meaning "I will rise again") in the restoration of St Andrew's Church and the development of the City after World War II. Mission statement of St Andrew's Church Signify the mission statement of St Andrew's Church "to live for, worship and proclaim Jesus Christ in the life of the City and beyond" Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth page 4 page 4 Vision for the Pillars Role of St Andrew's Church Promote understanding of the role of St Andrew's Church as "a place of living faith in the heart of the City where all can belong and be known". 4. The Site and its context Identify the possible site(s) for the commission, making St Andrew’s Church specific reference to aspects of the context you consider relevant, such as Public Open Space light levels, adjacent artefacts, materials, the history of the building and use of the space. Public Open Space The Pillars stand on the boundary (outlined in red) of the open public space in front of St. Andrew’s Church. The ownership of this public space is being transferred from Plymouth City Council to the church. The steps between the pillars provide the principal pedestrian access to the paved forecourt from Royal Parade, the major thoroughfare and transport hub in the centre of Plymouth. The forecourt is in front of the North entrance to the church building and above this door is the “Resurgam” plaque. On either side of the forecourt are grassed areas with trees and memorial plaques. View indicated by arrow above Pillars viewed from the tower Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth page 5 page 5 Vision for the Pillars Inside the church building The Judges will be greatly helped by visual evidence. Internal and external photographs, including some of the space you intend the work of art to occupy should be attached. There are many points of interest and beauty which reflect the living faith of Christians who meet here in the church building. The most renowned are the six stained glass windows designed by John Piper and made by Patrick Reyntiens. Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth page 6 page 6 Vision for the Pillars The Altar Cross, Processional Cross, two other sets of crosses, candlesticks and all 61 bosses were designed by Colin Shewring of Mowbrays and were dedicated at a special service on 30th April 1967. The depth and The Altar Frontal (above left) was designed and created by students of beauty of the work the Plymouth College of Art at the time of the restoration of St commissioned Andrew’s Church after World War 2. should be of the highest order: excellent in terms of its vision, design, The simple marble Font, made in handling of 1661 for St Andrew’s Church but materials and replaced in 1875, was longevity. rediscovered in use as a bird table in a local garden. When St Andrew’s was re-consecrated in 1957, the font was returned to the church. Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth page 7 page 7 Vision for the Pillars 5. Engagement with Artists As well as speaking with artists, we have also concentrated on learning about process from those experienced in commissioning and planning public art. This, we believe, has better equipped us to prepare our artist brief.