York Minster will form one of the focal points in York’s forthcoming ‘Illuminating York’ festival, which runs from 30 October to 2 November. At York Minster, urban artists Black Rose have been brought in to create new street artworks on light-boxes and huge canvases to bring contemporary paintings into the minster.
Fig. 6. Last year’s Illuminating York Minster © Elizabeth Dent
York Minster’s events manager, Stephanie O’Gorman, said: ‘We often think of the artworks in York Minster – from the stained glass to the statues – as being very traditionally styled, but at the time they were created, these works of art were cutting edge, using the latest techniques and innovation to design these stunning pieces.’ In this way, the modern light installations complement the original stained glass throughout the minster.
‘York Minster Nights’ will feature a spiral of lights in the chapter house, where visitors can light a candle of remembrance for a lost loved one. The minster has also cleared its nave of chairs and will be lit with subtle lighting, echoing how worshippers would have experienced services in medieval York. York Minster Nights runs from 6pm on October 30 and 31 and 7pm on November1 and 2. Admission is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Tickets are available on line from the minster, or by calling 01904 557208.
