To: Newsdesk From: Christine Doyle Date: 22 August 2012 Tel: 024 7652 1226/07769 738180 The Golden Cross by Geoffrey Clarke is back on display in time for the Cathedral’s art exhibition The original sketch for the Geoffrey Clarke Cross which is now back on display in St Michael’s Gallery in the Cathedral. After nearly two decades of being hidden away in the store room at Coventry Cathedral, one of its more unusual treasures is now back on display. The Golden Cross is just one of many treasures going on display at the Cathedral for the ‘Journey in to the Light’ art exhibition. Whilst some pieces are being loaned for the exhibition, this Cross has been restored and will remain on permanent display after the exhibition closes in October. Sir Basil Spence, the architect who created the Cathedral, asked the innovative young designer Geoffrey Clarke to create a cross and candlesticks for the Chapel of the Cross which was located in the Undercroft. This chapel was used by the community for worship between 1959- 1962 whilst the new Cathedral was being built above it. “The Golden Cross by Geoffrey Clarke has a fascinating history,” commented the Revd Canon David Stone, Canon Precentor, “It’s over 2m tall and in a very intricate design in the form of a Latin Cross, including its own integral lighting system. To have it restored and back on display after so many years in storage is wonderful.” It forms just one of many pieces on display for the art exhibition which will run from the 1st September to the end of October and feature the plans, sketches and models of Sir Jacob Epstein, Graham Sutherland, John Piper, John Hutton, Geoffrey Clarke, Elisabeth Frink and the many more artists who created the artworks in the Cathedral. Normal admission applies. -ends- For press enquiries, please contact Christine Doyle on 024 7652 1226 or 07769 738180. Notes to Editor Coventry Cathedral 2012 is the year that Coventry Cathedral is celebrating its Golden Jubilee - a landmark occasion recognising 50 years of service to Coventry's community and the world, both through its unique international mission of peace and reconciliation, and as a cultural centre for the performing arts. For 50 years, the cathedral has been a dynamic centre of worship and mission, a place of pilgrimage, liturgical creativity, and healing; a focus for reconciliation locally, nationally and internationally; for education and the arts; a venue for national services and television and radio broadcasts; and a focal point for the City, the region, and even for the world. Journey into the light The title ‘Journey into the Light’ not only refers to the creative journey of the artists, but evokes the pilgrimage of visitors as they progress from the Ruins, representing the darkness and destruction of human conflict, into the new Cathedral, delivering the hope of the Resurrection before Christ in Glory, so brilliantly conveyed by Graham Sutherland in the Great Tapestry. The exhibition will feature works by Sir Jacob Epstein, Graham Sutherland, John Piper, Patrick Reyntiens, Elisabeth Frink, John Hutton, Lawrence Lee, Geoffrey Clarke, Keith New, Steven Sykes, Terence Cuneo, Charles Cundall, Anthony Blee, Ralph Beyer, Hans Coper, Einar Forseth and Margaret Trahearne. .