the art of john piper
and
Coventry Cathedral: Icon and Inspiration
wednesday 20 March 2024
Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne
The Study Day began with a Lecture on one of the most versatile British artists of the twentieth century – painter, designer, stained glass artist, photographer and writer on the arts – a man of many parts. Alexandra Epps` second lecture explored the extraordinary story of the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral as a symbol of peace and reconciliation and its inspiring commitment to the modern, featuring C20th British artists Jacob Epstein, Elisabeth Frink, and Graham Sutherland as well as John Piper.
Presenter: Alexandra Epps
Alexandra Epps is an Accredited Lecturer for The Arts Society and Guide and Lecturer at Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the Guildhall Art Gallery. A qualified Guide to the City of London offering walks and talks about many aspects of the arts. Member of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association. Alexandra’s background is in design having practised as a graphic designer running her own design consultancy for many years. www.artcity.co.uk
Programme for the day
10:00 – 10:15 Arrival and Greeting
John Piper Stourhead Collage
“The Art of John Piper”
From cathedrals to churches, cottages to coastlines we are never very far from a place John Piper has painted, written about or undertaken a commission for. One of the most versatile British artists of the twentieth century – painter, designer, stained glass artist, photographer and writer on the arts – a man of many parts.
Piper: Coventry Cathedral Interior 15 November 1940
11:50 Lecture 2
“Coventry Cathedral: Icon and Inspiration”
The extraordinary story of the rebuilding of the Cathedral as a symbol of peace and reconciliation and its inspiring commitment to the modern. Experience the work of many of the world-class artists associated with its treasures including Jacob Epstein, Elisabeth Frink, John Piper and Graham Sutherland.
Venice Screen Print by John Piper
A Related Talk by Jenny Newman
Jenny Newman showed a 1970s film, “Crown of Glass” about the making of the Lantern glass for Liverpool Cathedral. She followed this with a talk highlighting Piper’s versatility as an artist and included book designs, ceramics, prints, textiles, photography and stage design. Jenny had brought along her actual framed screenprint Piper made for a series based on the sets he designed for the Britten opera ‘Death in Venice’.
15:30 Approx Closure and Departure