The unbelievable task of installing the Pilgrim Porch in Chester Cathedral by our good friends CB Arts.
The porch sits significantly yet subtly in this incredible space. The materiality and imagery compliments the fabric of the Cathedral - allowing a new dialogue. A sense of it always being there was expressed by visitors.
Finished photos to follow. Visit Project Page for more information about the process.
The ceremonial doors were installed in time for the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 3rd 2022 with a service of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral on the 2nd June. The full refurbishment of the setting is not yet complete with Jerusalem stone flooring and forged handrails to follow. However the Pilgrim’s porch was admired by people inside and outside the Cathedral.
Photo by Donald Insall
“An innovative new architectural feature which champions accessibility and heritage has been installed at Chester Cathedral’s West Doors.
The Pilgrim Porch has been designed by the renowned sculptor, Stephen Broadbent. It comprises a shell-like patinated cast bronze arch set behind the medieval timber doors of the Cathedral’s Perpendicular Gothic West front.
Donald Insall Associates is proud to have initiated the design and implementation of the installation to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The bronze arch, hung with a pair of large and heavy laminated glass doors, is patterned with a labyrinth design composed of images of every church in the diocese of Chester. A digital installation in the cathedral will allow visitors to find out about all the churches represented in Stephen Broadbent’s labyrinth.”
https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/20190281.stunning-new-entrance-completed-chester-cathedral/