Birmingham Cathedral to shine light on historic treasures for all
AN exploration of Birmingham Cathedral’s heritage will look at women’s history, Birmingham artists, stained-glass and architecture in a packed week of free activities.
The programme of events is part of the city’s second Birmingham Heritage Week and the national Heritage Open Days.
Birmingham Cathedral is just one of the 70 venues involved in Birmingham Heritage Week.
It was built as the parish church of St Philip in 1715 and became the cathedral of the Birmingham Diocese in 1905.
It is a Grade I-listed building and is regarded as a rare and very fine example of English Baroque.
The cathedral has four magnificent stained-glass windows by Birmingham artist Sir Edward BurneJones, which are considered among his finest works.
The landmark also has an excel- lent choral tradition and regularly hosts musical, cultural and arts events.
During 2015, St Philip’s celebrated its Tercentenary with a series of special events, pilgrimages, heritage education and mass participation arts events and installations.
Heritage Manager Jane McArdle says: “We are delighted to be part of Birmingham’s Heritage Week and to celebrate the rich and diverse history of the cathedral.”
On Thursday, September 7, Dean of Birmingham Catherine Ogle will explain the historic background to the celebration of Evensong, part of the cathedral’s daily rhythm of worship.
Then, as part of Heritage Open Days on Saturday, September 9, a walking tour by Ben Waddington will explore the lost arts and crafts of the city with links to the cathedral treasures.
It will particularly focus on the magnificent Burne-Jones stainedglass windows.
The day will also include tours of the cathedral, the chance to meet a stained glass artist, craft activities for all the family, and the ever popular Moseley Arts Market in the Square.
Graduate artists will also be in the churchyard all week creating work inspired by the cathedral’s heritage: illustration, jewellery making, wirework, textile and ceramic.
In 1914 the cathedral was subject to suffragette protest and a talk on the Suffragette movement in Birmingham by Nicola Gauld will look at this, as well as accounts of the wider suffrage movement within the city.
Some events require booking. For more information visit www. birminghamcathedral.com